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

Ethan Mbappe, who is 18, is the brother of Real Madrid star Kylian, who is eight years 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 decided to depart the French giants at the conclusion of his deal 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 set to face PSG on Sunday, and will hope to gain attention against the club where he began his professional journey.

Following in Kylian Mbappe's Path

Goals dominate attention, so considering Ethan's position is a midfielder he is unlikely to surpass his brother in that department.

But the youngster is seen as an promising prospect in his own capacity.

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

"He is a balanced, polished kid who is respectful even if he is obviously in the shadow of his brother, which is challenging for him. But I find him composed and with a strong character. I find that he manages this pressure quite effectively."

Praised for his soccer IQ, composure on the ball and passing ability, Ethan made an impact on the coaches at PSG and was awarded his first league appearance 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 multiple roles," PSG boss Luis Enrique said after that game. "I am sure he will feature more. He has a prestigious surname, which is difficult to match."

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

Kylian has earlier suggested that Ethan not getting a new contract at PSG was connected with his decision to leave 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 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."

Forging His Own Career Path

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

"My dream of facing my brother in the Champions League is far off, but it has not disappeared," Ethan said on online platforms after he was ruled out of that match.

Ethan made just a handful of senior appearances last season but now free of injury, he will hope to make his mark as a first-team regular.

He has already achieved a important landmark by netting his initial strike for Lille earlier this month - an injury-time volley to secure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

That late goal temporarily placed Lille at the summit of Ligue 1 and although they have since dropped to sixth, Ethan continues to participate in the senior squad, having made two further league appearances.

With Lille participating in the Europa League this season, there will be little chance for Ethan to realise his ambition of facing his brother in a competitive match at present, but that leaves him with the chance to focus on building a reputation for himself in his own right.