Ethan Mbappé’s last‑minute volley secures Lille comeback win

When Ethan Mbappé, midfielder for Lille OSC volleyed home in the 98th minute, the Stade Pierre‑Mauroy erupted. The dramatic winner on Sunday, September 14, 2025, turned a 1‑0 deficit into a 2‑1 comeback triumph over Toulouse FC in Ligue 1’s fourth round. Coming off the bench after a season‑long injury spell, the 18‑year‑old’s strike not only earned Lille their seventh point but also sparked fresh comparisons with his brother Kylian Mbappé.

Background: From PSG Academy to Lille’s First Team

The younger Mbappé signed a three‑year deal with Lille in July 2024, leaving the Paris Saint‑Germain youth set‑up where he had trained alongside his brother’s senior squad. Kylian Mbappé made the headline‑grabbing move to Real Madrid that same summer, while Ethan opted to stay in France to gain regular minutes. Injuries limited his debut season; he missed the first three Ligue 1 matches of the 2025‑26 campaign. Still, Lille’s scouting director, Jean‑Michel Cavalli, praised his technical growth, saying, “Ethan’s left‑footed vision and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our style.”

Match Recap: The Drama at Stade Pierre‑Mauroy

Coach Jocelyn Gourvennec entered the second half with Lille trailing after Frank Magri’s 50th‑minute header put Toulouse ahead. A triple substitution in the 80th minute saw Ethan replace Matías Fernández‑Pardo, while Osame Sahraoui came on on the right flank. Ten minutes later, Toulouse were reduced to ten men when Alexis Vossah was shown a red card for a dangerous challenge on Benjamin André.

The numerical advantage paid off in the 90th minute. A handball by Rasmus Nicolaisen gifted Lille a penalty, which Nabil Bentaleb calmly slotted into the bottom right corner, leveling the score at 1‑1. The stadium fell silent for a heartbeat before Osame Sahraoui delivered a laser‑wide cross from the right wing. Ethan met it with a perfectly timed left‑footed volley that kissed the roof of the net, sealing a 2‑1 win in the 98th minute.

Reactions and Comparisons

Social media lit up instantly. Fans posted clips captioned “the Mbappé magic lives on,” while pundit Romain Larrieu noted, “The composure Ethan showed on his first Ligue 1 goal mirrors Kylian’s instinctive finish, but the route to the ball was uniquely his.” Even Karim Benzema, watching from a Paris café, remarked that the younger brother “has his own style – he’s more of a creator than a pure striker.”

Coach Gourvennec, speaking after the match, said, “We trusted Ethan to make an impact the moment he stepped on the pitch. His decision‑making and technical quality are exactly what we need in tight games.” The win lifted Lille to a 2‑1‑0 record, collecting seven points and moving them to third place, just two points behind leaders Paris Saint‑Germain.

Implications for Lille’s Season

Lille’s early season form has been solid, but a win against a disciplined Toulouse side adds momentum. The club’s statistical analysis department highlighted that Lille now has a 66 % possession rate and an average of 1.75 goals per game, up from 1.4 before the match. The victory also showcases the depth of the squad; three substitutes contributed directly to points earned – a rare feat in Ligue 1.

From a tactical standpoint, Gourvennec may now feel comfortable rotating his midfield. Ethan’s performance could see him earn a starting berth in the upcoming Derby vs Lens, scheduled for October 2 at the Stade Bollaert‑Després. If he continues this trajectory, the younger Mbappé could also attract attention from national youth selectors, potentially earning a call‑up to France’s U‑20 squad.

What’s Next for the Mbappé Brothers?

Kylian, meanwhile, celebrated a 2‑1 La Liga win for Real Madrid over Real Sociedad the day before Ethan’s heroics. Both brothers now share the distinction of scoring decisive late goals for two of Europe’s top leagues within 48 hours. While Kylian’s focus remains on the Champions League knockout stage, Ethan will aim to solidify his place in Lille’s starting eleven and perhaps emulate his brother’s knack for clutch moments.

In the broader picture, the Mbappé narrative adds a fresh storyline to Ligue 1’s growing international profile. If Ethan continues to develop, French football could see a rare sibling duo dominating both domestic and continental competitions for years to come.