Ethan Mbappe: I don’t want to be in Kylian’s shadow

It’s no longer news that the Mbappe brothers have departed Paris Saint-Germain as Ethan Mbappe revealed why he followed his brother, Kylian, out of the club.

25-year-old Mbappé left for Real Madrid on a free transfer after seven seasons at PSG, while his younger brother also decided not to renew his contract at the Capital club and joined Lille OSC.

Before his departure, the 17-year-old midfielder emerged through PSG’s youth categories and made his professional debut last season at home against FC Metz. He made a total of five games across all competitions with the first team and was a key player for the reserve team despite a nightmarish campaign in the UEFA Youth League. The Capital club finished last in the group stage, leading to their early exit of the competition.

Ethan also decided not to renew his contract to pursue his development at PSG’s state-of-the-art facilities and decided to walk in the steps of former PSG Academy players Mike Maignan, Jonathan Ikoné, and Fodé Balo-Touré by joining Lille. 

During his presentation to the media on Thursday alongside other signings Thomas Meunier and Ngal’Ayel Mukau, the central midfielder said he had to create his own path and story. 

Not wanting to stay in his brother’s shadow by following him to Real Madrid, Ethan said LOSC was the right choice for him. 

Admitting the difficulties of bearing Mbappé’s name, having to cope with comparison and critics, the right-footed midfielder described it as complicated at the beginning because he always has to be good. 

“People will criticize you and expect you to be like your brother when that’s not the case. It’s a difficult name to live up to, but I manage it perfectly. I’m trying to write my story,” he said.