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It can be difficult being the brother of a professional footballer - particularly when your older sibling is considered one of the best athletes in the world.

Ethan Mbappe, who is 18, is the brother of Real Madrid superstar Kylian, who is eight years older. This represents a significant legacy to break free from.

The two brothers played for Paris St-Germain simultaneously, but when Kylian decided to depart the Parisian club at the end of his contract and join Real Madrid last summer, Ethan's agreement was also not renewed with the team.

Currently with Lille and recently scoring his maiden strike for the club, Ethan is scheduled to face PSG on Sunday, and will aim to make the headlines against the team where he began his professional journey.

Walking in Kylian Mbappe's Path

Goals grab the headlines, so given Ethan's position is in midfield he is unlikely to surpass his brother in that area.

But the young player is seen as an promising prospect in his own right.

His mindset was praised as he emerged from the PSG academy, seeming to handle effectively with the weight of expectation that came with being an Mbappe.

"He is a well-rounded, well-educated kid who is respectful even if he is obviously in the influence of his brother, which is not easy for him. But I find him composed and with a real personality. I find that he manages this pressure rather well."

Praised for his soccer IQ, composure on the ball and distribution skills, Ethan made an impact on the staff at PSG and was given his league debut at just 16, entering as a substitute late in a 3-1 win against Metz, with Kylian having netted a brace of the goals.

"Ethan is a quite promising player who can play in several positions," PSG boss Luis Enrique commented after that game. "I am sure he will play again. He has a famous last name, which is challenging to live up to."

In total, he made five appearances for PSG before departing at the end of his contract last summer, although there was certain debate around his departure.

Kylian has previously implied that Ethan not getting a renewed deal at PSG was connected with his choice to depart and move to Real Madrid, and was prepared to instead stay at the French giants if it meant his brother got a new deal there as well.

"It's the thing that impacted me the most," Kylian said. "He [Ethan], didn't request anything. His dream club was PSG. What Real represented for me, his youthful aspiration, was PSG."

Forging His Own Career Path

Ethan's debut campaign at Lille was hampered by fitness issues, which prevented the opportunity to face his brother in a European match last September.

"My dream of facing my brother in the Champions League is distant, but it has not disappeared," Ethan said on online platforms after he was ruled out of that match.

Ethan made just a few of senior appearances last season but now free of injury, he will hope to establish himself as a first-team regular.

He has recently reached a important landmark by netting his initial strike for Lille earlier this month - an stoppage-time volley to ensure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

That late goal briefly put Lille top of Ligue 1 and although they have since dropped to sixth, Ethan continues to be involved in the first team, having completed two additional league appearances.

With Lille competing in the Europa League this season, there will be no opportunity for Ethan to fulfill his ambition of facing his brother in a competitive match at present, but that provides him the opportunity to focus on building a reputation for himself in his own capacity.