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It's often difficult being the brother of a soccer star - especially when your brother is considered one of the best athletes in the world.

Ethan Mbappe, who is 18, is the brother of Real Madrid star Kylian, who is almost a decade older. It's a substantial legacy to step out of.

The two brothers were at Paris St-Germain simultaneously, but when Kylian opted to leave the Parisian club at the conclusion of his deal and move to Real Madrid last summer, Ethan's contract was similarly not extended at the club.

Currently with Lille and fresh from scoring his first goal for the club, Ethan is scheduled to come up against PSG on Sunday, and will aim to gain attention against the team where he started his career.

Following in Kylian Mbappe's Path

Goals grab the headlines, so considering Ethan's position is a midfielder he is not expected to outshine his brother in that department.

But the youngster is regarded as an promising prospect in his own right.

His mentality was praised as he emerged from the PSG youth system, seeming to cope well 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 calm and with a real personality. I find that he manages this pressure quite effectively."

Recognized for his soccer IQ, composure on the ball and distribution skills, Ethan impressed the coaches at PSG and was awarded his league debut at just 16, coming on as a substitute late in a 3-1 win against Metz, with Kylian having scored two of the goals.

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

In total, he completed five appearances for PSG before leaving at the conclusion of his agreement last summer, although there was some controversy around his exit.

Kylian has earlier suggested that Ethan failing to receive a renewed deal at PSG was linked to his decision to leave and move to Real Madrid, and was prepared to instead stay at the French giants if it meant his brother got a contract extension 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 meant to me, his childhood dream, was PSG."

Forging His Own Career Path

Ethan's debut campaign at Lille was affected by injuries, which prevented the opportunity to face his brother in a Champions League match last September.

"My dream of playing against my brother in the Champions League is distant, but it has not vanished," Ethan said on online platforms after he was declared unavailable of that match.

Ethan made just a few of first-team appearances last season but now fully fit, he will aim to establish himself as a consistent starter.

He has recently reached a significant milestone by scoring his first goal for Lille recently - an injury-time volley to ensure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

That dramatic winner temporarily placed Lille top of Ligue 1 and although they have subsequently fallen to sixth, Ethan remains participate in the senior squad, having completed two additional league appearances.

With Lille participating in the Europa League this season, there will be little chance for Ethan to realise his dream of playing against his brother in a official game at present, but that leaves him with the opportunity to concentrate on making a name for himself in his own capacity.