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It's often difficult being the brother of a soccer star - especially when your brother happens to be among the top athletes in the world.

Ethan Mbappe, aged 18, is the brother of Real Madrid superstar Kylian, who is eight years older. It's a substantial shadow to break free from.

The two brothers played for Paris St-Germain simultaneously, but when Kylian opted to leave the French giants at the end of his contract and join Real Madrid last summer, Ethan's agreement was similarly not extended at the club.

Now at Lille and fresh from scoring his maiden strike for the club, Ethan is set to face PSG on Sunday, and will aim to make the headlines against the team where he began his professional journey.

Following in Kylian Mbappe's Path

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

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

His mindset was commended as he broke through from the PSG youth system, seeming to handle effectively with the pressure that came with being an Mbappe.

"He is a balanced, well-educated 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 calm and with a real personality. I find that he handles this expectation 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 first league appearance at just 16, coming on 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 several positions," PSG boss Luis Enrique commented after that game. "I am sure he will feature more. He has a prestigious surname, which is challenging to match."

Overall, he completed five appearances for PSG before departing at the end of his contract last summer, although there was certain debate around his exit.

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

"It's the thing that impacted me the most," Kylian said. "He [Ethan], didn't request anything. His Real Madrid was PSG. What Real meant to me, his childhood dream, was PSG."

Creating His Distinct Career Path

Ethan's first season at Lille was hampered by fitness issues, which denied him the chance 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 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 consistent starter.

He has recently reached a significant milestone by netting his first goal for Lille earlier this month - 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 first team, 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 competitive match at present, but that leaves him with the chance to focus on making a name for himself in his own right.