Kylian Mbappe explains why brother Ethan Mbappe deserves more credit for his career

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe believes his younger brother, Ethan Mbappe, deserves greater recognition for his progress in football because of the pressure and expectations associated with their family name.

In an interview with Onze Mondial, the France captain praised the 19-year-old Lille midfielder for forging his own path, explaining that Ethan has faced scrutiny from the moment he began his professional career.

“I think there is more merit in being him than being me, regardless of what I have achieved, because he plays under a weight that I didn’t have,” Kylian said.

The 27-year-old explained that when he first broke into professional football, few people knew he was the son of Wilfried and Fayza Mbappé. That allowed him to develop without the same level of scrutiny facing his younger brother.

“When I first stepped onto the pitch, nobody was thinking that I was Wilfried and Fayza’s son. Nobody knew! So I played as I wanted, and my mistakes had no impact,” he explained.

“Ethan didn’t have the opportunity to make mistakes without consequences.”

According to the Real Madrid star, his younger brother was judged before he had even established himself, with comparisons and expectations creating additional pressure throughout his development.

Despite those challenges, Kylian expressed satisfaction with Ethan’s progress at Lille, insisting that the teenager is building an identity of his own rather than simply following in his footsteps.

“He is showing that he is going to have his own career. He has his own career. Objectively, I think he has everything to enjoy a great career,” the France captain added.

Kylian also acknowledged that he occasionally offers advice to his younger brother but deliberately avoids interfering too much with his professional decisions.

He believes Ethan must experience both the successes and disappointments that naturally accompany a football career.

“Football is a long marathon, so I can try to advise him a little, but I don’t try too much because I want him to live his career as I lived mine, intensely, and have his own triumphs and mistakes,” he said.

Ethan joined Lille in 2024 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and has continued working to establish himself in senior football.

His older brother’s comments underline the importance of allowing him to develop independently, with Kylian convinced that the young midfielder has the talent and potential to build a successful career of his own.