Being the younger sibling of a world-class footballer comes with unique pressures. For 18-year-old Ethan Mbappé, following in the footsteps of his older brother Kylian Mbappé—the Real Madrid star—has been both challenging and inspiring.
From PSG Youth to Lille
Ethan came through Paris Saint-Germain’s youth system, making his league debut at just 16 in a 3-1 win over Metz. PSG coach Luis Enrique praised him as “a very interesting player who can play in several positions” but acknowledged the difficulty of living up to a prestigious surname. In total, Ethan made five appearances for PSG before his contract was not renewed last summer—a decision shadowed by Kylian’s move to Real Madrid. Kylian has suggested he would have stayed at PSG if it meant Ethan could remain, highlighting the close bond between the brothers.
Finding His Own Path
Now at Lille, Ethan is carving out his own career. His first season was disrupted by injuries, preventing a potential Champions League showdown with Kylian. Nevertheless, he scored his first goal for Lille earlier this month, an injury-time volley that secured a 2-1 win over Toulouse and briefly put the club atop Ligue 1.
Praised for his football intelligence, calmness on the ball, and passing ability, Ethan continues to impress coaches and fans alike, showing he can thrive under the weight of expectation.
Eyes on the Future
This Sunday, Lille faces PSG, giving Ethan the chance to make headlines against the club where he began his career. While he may not outshine Kylian in goal-scoring, Ethan is determined to establish his own identity on the pitch. With Europa League commitments and growing Ligue 1 experience, the young midfielder is steadily emerging from his brother’s shadow to become a player in his own right.
