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It can be difficult to be the younger sibling of a professional footballer - particularly when your brother is considered among the top players in the world.

The younger Mbappe, aged 18, is the sibling of Real Madrid star Kylian, who is eight years older. This represents a significant legacy to break free from.

Both players played for Paris St-Germain simultaneously, but when Kylian decided to depart the Parisian club at the end of his contract and move to Real Madrid last summer, Ethan's contract was similarly not extended with the team.

Currently with Lille and fresh from 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 started his career.

Walking in Kylian Mbappe's Footsteps

Scoring grab the headlines, so considering Ethan's role is in midfield he is unlikely to outshine his brother in that area.

But the youngster is regarded as an exciting talent in his own right.

His mentality was praised as he emerged from the PSG academy, appearing to handle effectively with the weight of expectation that came with the Mbappe surname.

"He is a well-rounded, well-educated kid who is respectful even if he is obviously in the shadow of his brother, which is challenging for him. But I find him calm and with a strong character. I find that he handles this pressure quite effectively."

Praised for his football intelligence, calmness on the ball and passing ability, Ethan impressed the staff at PSG and was awarded his first league appearance 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 very interesting player who can play in multiple roles," PSG boss Luis Enrique said after that game. "I am sure he will play again. He has a prestigious surname, which is challenging to match."

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

Kylian has previously implied that Ethan failing to receive a new contract at PSG was connected with his choice to depart and join Real Madrid, and was willing to remain at the French giants if it meant his brother got a new deal there also.

"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 youthful aspiration, was PSG."

Forging His Own Career Path

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

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

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

He has recently reached a significant milestone by scoring his first goal for Lille earlier this month - an stoppage-time volley to secure 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 further league appearances.

With Lille competing in the Europa League this season, there will be little chance for Ethan to fulfill his dream of facing his brother in a official game at present, but that leaves him with the opportunity to focus on building a reputation for himself in his own right.