Ethan Mbappé Emerges as LOSC's Key Player at 19

Ethan Mbappé is not yet 20 years old and is already one of LOSC’s standout performers. The right attacking midfielder, trained at PSG, has scored two goals since the start of the season in Ligue 1, confirming a progression that few observers anticipated at this pace.

His first goal came in the clash against AS Monaco (1-1), from a service by Soriba Diaoune. He then followed with a third consecutive start in the Nord derby against RC Lens, last Friday at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Without finding the target — he was denied by Robin Risser after a combination on a free kick with Nabil Bentaleb — he was substituted in the 73rd minute. It was ultimately Olivier Giroud, brought on as a substitute, who secured victory for the Dogues by capitalizing on a direct clearance from the Lens goalkeeper.

Ethan Mbappé’s trajectory is now drawing the attention of specialists. Dave Appadoo, on L’Équipe du soir, did not mince words: « For a very long time, I was skeptical. I found him very neutral. Right now, I find that he is the superior player of this Lille team, a team of European caliber, which is no small thing. Ethan Mbappé, in terms of impact and difference-making, I didn’t expect him at this level. He’s a player who really hurts opponents, who is intelligent. »

This assessment carries even more weight given that the player, who will turn 20 on December 29, is only in his third season as a professional. Last season, he scored three goals, including an equalizer against PSG in front of his father Wilfrid and his brother Kylian.

Ethan Mbappé will have to wait before returning to European competition: suspended, he will miss LOSC’s trip to Bodø/Glimt in Norway in the Ligue des Champions. In the meantime, the northern club, runners-up to PSG in Ligue 1, is preparing for a clash against Stade Rennais, fifth in the standings.