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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 players globally.

The younger Mbappe, aged 18, is the sibling of Real Madrid star Kylian, who is almost a decade older. This represents a significant shadow to try to emerge from.

The two brothers played for Paris St-Germain at the same time, but when Kylian opted to leave the French giants at the conclusion of his deal and move to Real Madrid last summer, Ethan's agreement 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 hope to make the headlines against the club where he started his career.

Walking in Kylian Mbappe's Path

Scoring dominate attention, so given Ethan's role is in midfield he is unlikely to surpass his brother in that area.

But the young player is regarded as an exciting talent in his own capacity.

His mentality was commended as he emerged from the PSG youth system, seeming to handle effectively with the weight of expectation that came with the Mbappe surname.

"He is a balanced, polished kid who is courteous even if he is clearly in the shadow of his brother, which is not easy for him. But I find him composed and with a strong character. I find that he manages this pressure rather well."

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

"Ethan is a very interesting player who can operate in multiple roles," Paris St-Germain manager Luis Enrique said after that game. "I am sure he will feature more. He has a famous last name, which is challenging to live up to."

Overall, he made five appearances for PSG before leaving at the end of his contract last summer, although there was some controversy around his departure.

Kylian has earlier suggested that Ethan not getting a new contract at PSG was connected with his decision to leave and join Real Madrid, and was willing to instead stay at the French giants if it meant his brother received a contract extension there also.

"It's the thing that affected 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."

Creating His Distinct Career Path

Ethan's debut campaign at Lille was hampered by injuries, which denied him the opportunity to compete against his brother in a Champions League match last September.

"My aspiration of facing my brother in the Champions League is distant, but it has not disappeared," Ethan said on social media after he was declared unavailable of that match.

Ethan made just a handful of first-team appearances last season but now fully fit, he will aim to make his mark as a consistent starter.

He has already achieved a important landmark by netting his first goal for Lille recently - an injury-time volley to ensure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

That late goal briefly put 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 no opportunity for Ethan to realise his dream of playing against his brother in a official game just yet, but that leaves him with the chance to focus on making a name for himself in his own capacity.