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It can be difficult being the brother of a soccer star - particularly when your older sibling happens to be among the top players globally.

Ethan Mbappe, who is 18, is the sibling of Real Madrid star Kylian, who is eight years older. It's a significant legacy to try to emerge from.

Both players played for 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 at the club.

Currently with Lille and recently scoring his first goal for the club, Ethan is set to come up against PSG on Sunday, and will hope to gain attention against the club where he began his professional journey.

Walking in Kylian Mbappe's Footsteps

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

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

His mentality was praised 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, polished kid who is respectful even if he is obviously 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 handles this expectation rather well."

Praised for his soccer IQ, composure on the ball and passing ability, Ethan made an impact on the staff at PSG and was given his league debut 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 operate in several positions," PSG boss Luis Enrique commented after that game. "I am sure he will play again. He has a famous last name, which is challenging to live up to."

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

Kylian has previously implied that Ethan not getting a renewed deal at PSG was linked to his choice to depart and join Real Madrid, and was prepared to instead stay at the French giants if it meant his brother got 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 represented for me, his childhood dream, was PSG."

Forging His Own Career Path

Ethan's first season at Lille was hampered by fitness issues, which prevented the chance to compete against his brother in a Champions League match last September.

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

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

He has already achieved a significant milestone by netting his initial strike for Lille recently - an stoppage-time volley to secure a 2-1 win against Toulouse.

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

With Lille participating in the Europa League this season, there will be little chance for Ethan to fulfill his dream of playing against his brother in a official game at present, but that provides him the chance to concentrate on making a name for himself in his own right.