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It can be challenging to be the younger sibling of a soccer star - especially when your older sibling is considered among the top players in the world.

Ethan Mbappe, aged 18, is the sibling of Real Madrid superstar Kylian, who is almost a decade older. This represents a substantial shadow to step out of.

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 also not renewed at the club.

Now at Lille and fresh from scoring his first goal for the club, Ethan is set to come up against PSG on Sunday, and will aim to make the headlines against the club where he started his career.

Following in Kylian Mbappe's Path

Scoring grab the headlines, so considering Ethan's position is in midfield he is unlikely to surpass his brother in that area.

But the young player is seen as an exciting talent in his own right.

His mindset was praised as he emerged from the PSG academy, appearing to cope well 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 not easy for him. But I find him calm and with a strong character. I find that he handles this pressure quite effectively."

Recognized 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, coming on as a late substitute 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," 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 difficult to match."

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

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 remain at the Paris club if it meant his brother got a contract extension there as well.

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

Forging His Own Career Path

Ethan's debut campaign at Lille was hampered by injuries, which prevented the chance to compete against his brother in a European match last September.

"My aspiration of playing against my brother in the Champions League is far off, but it has not disappeared," Ethan said on social media after he was ruled out of that match.

Ethan managed just a handful of senior appearances last season but now free of injury, he will hope to establish himself as a consistent starter.

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

That late goal briefly put Lille at the summit of Ligue 1 and although they have since dropped to sixth, Ethan continues to participate in the senior squad, having completed two additional league appearances.

With Lille competing in the Europa League this season, there will be little chance for Ethan to fulfill his ambition of playing against his brother in a official game just yet, but that provides him the chance to focus on building a reputation for himself in his own right.