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It's often challenging being the brother of a professional footballer - particularly when your brother happens to be among the top players globally.

The younger Mbappe, aged 18, is the sibling of Real Madrid superstar Kylian, who is almost a decade older. It's a significant shadow to step out of.

The two brothers were at Paris St-Germain simultaneously, but when Kylian opted to leave the French giants 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 recently scoring his maiden strike for the club, Ethan is set 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 grab the headlines, so given Ethan's position is in midfield he is unlikely to surpass his brother in that department.

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

His mentality was commended as he emerged from the PSG academy, appearing to cope well with the pressure that came with being an Mbappe.

"He is a balanced, 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 strong character. I find that he handles this pressure rather well."

Praised for his football intelligence, composure on the ball and distribution skills, Ethan impressed the coaches at PSG and was given 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 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 completed five appearances for PSG before leaving at the end of his contract last summer, although there was certain debate around his departure.

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

Creating His Distinct Career Path

Ethan's debut campaign at Lille was affected by fitness issues, which prevented the opportunity to compete against 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 disappeared," Ethan said on online platforms after he was declared unavailable of that match.

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

He has already achieved a significant milestone by scoring his initial strike for Lille earlier this month - an stoppage-time volley to ensure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

That dramatic winner temporarily placed Lille at the summit of Ligue 1 and although they have since dropped to sixth, Ethan remains be involved in the senior squad, having made 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 facing his brother in a competitive match just yet, but that leaves him with the opportunity to concentrate on building a reputation for himself in his own capacity.