Julian Hall: The Teen Forward Making MLS History

Introduction

Julian Hall is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Red Bull New York in Major League Soccer. Born on 24 March 2008, he is 18 years old as of July 2026.

He became widely known after breaking several age records in American soccer. His biggest achievement came in May 2026, when he became the youngest player in MLS history to score a regular-season hat trick.

His speed, movement, finishing ability and calm attitude have made him one of the most exciting young players in the United States.

Julian Hall Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Full name	Julian Zakrzewski Hall
Known as	Julian Hall
Date of birth	24 March 2008
Age	18 years old as of July 2026
Birthplace	New York City, United States
Hometown	Manhattan, New York
Nationality	American
Position	Forward
Current club	Red Bull New York
Shirt number	16
League	Major League Soccer
Height	5 feet 9 inches
Youth international teams	United States and Poland youth teams
Famous for	Becoming the youngest regular-season hat-trick scorer in MLS history

Who Is Julian Hall?

Julian Hall is a New York-born soccer player who developed through the Red Bulls Academy before joining the club’s senior team.

He plays mainly as a centre-forward. His job is to lead attacks, find space near the goal and finish scoring chances.

Despite his young age, he has already played against experienced professional defenders. He has also earned important individual honours and broken club and league records.

The forward is part of a new generation of young football talent gaining attention through strong performances at club level.

Early Life in New York

Hall was born in New York City and grew up in Manhattan. He began developing his soccer skills at a young age and joined the New York Red Bulls Academy in 2020.

The academy gave him professional coaching and regular opportunities to compete against other leading young players.

Over three academy seasons, he scored 28 goals in 39 matches. These performances showed that he was not only talented but also able to score consistently.

He later became an important player for the club’s under-15 team.

Success at Academy Level

The young striker enjoyed a major breakthrough in 2023.

He helped the Red Bulls under-15 team win the MLS NEXT Cup for the first time in the academy’s history. He scored five goals during the tournament and received the competition’s Most Valuable Player award.

He also won the Golden Boot at the 2023 Generation Adidas Cup after scoring five goals. His tournament included two goals against Chelsea’s under-15 team.

These achievements helped prove that he was ready to move into professional soccer.

First Professional Contract

Red Bull New York signed Hall to a Homegrown Player contract on 7 September 2023.

A Homegrown Player is someone who develops within an MLS club’s youth academy before joining its senior team.

He was only 15 years and 167 days old when he signed the contract. This made him the second-youngest Homegrown signing in the club’s history.

His original agreement runs through the 2026 season and includes a club option for 2027.

Professional Debut

Before joining the senior team, Hall played for New York Red Bulls II in MLS NEXT Pro.

He scored his first professional goal against New England Revolution II on 4 June 2023. At 15 years and 73 days old, he became the youngest goalscorer in the reserve team’s history.

He also provided an assist during the same match.

His first Major League Soccer appearance came against Chicago Fire on 30 September 2023.

He entered the game as a substitute at 15 years and 190 days old. At that time, he became the second-youngest player to appear in an MLS match.

First MLS Goal

Hall scored his first Major League Soccer goal against CF Montréal on 19 June 2024.

He was 16 years and 87 days old.

The goal made him the youngest scorer in Red Bull New York history and the second-youngest goalscorer in MLS history at that time.

His goal was especially important because it came late in the match and helped his team earn a draw.

He later scored another late equaliser against Sporting Kansas City. These performances showed that he could remain calm during important moments.

Breakthrough During the 2026 Season

The 2026 season became the biggest period of Hall’s young career.

He began receiving regular starts and became an important part of the Red Bull New York attack.

In February 2026, he scored twice during a 2–1 victory over Orlando City. It was his first MLS brace, meaning he scored two goals in one match.

That performance earned him the MLS Player of the Matchday award.

He then became the youngest player in league history to score at least five goals during his first six appearances of an MLS season.

By 8 July 2026, he had scored nine goals and provided four assists in 15 league appearances.

Historic MLS Hat Trick

Hall produced his most famous performance on 13 May 2026.

He scored all three goals as Red Bull New York defeated Columbus Crew 3–2.

A player scores a hat trick when they score three goals in one match.

Hall was 18 years and 50 days old when he achieved the record. This made him the youngest player in MLS history to score a hat trick during a regular-season match.

His goals came in the seventh, 40th and 78th minutes.

The performance earned him another MLS Player of the Matchday award. It also placed him among the league’s leading young attacking players.

MLS All-Star Selection

In July 2026, Hall was selected for the MLS All-Star team as a commissioner’s pick.

He was chosen to represent Major League Soccer against the Liga MX All-Stars on 29 July 2026 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

At 18 years and 106 days old, he became the youngest Red Bull New York player selected for the event since Tyler Adams.

He was also the second-youngest All-Star selection in the club’s history.

Playing Style

Hall normally plays as a central forward, although he can move into different attacking areas.

His main strengths include:

• Quick movement near the penalty area
• Strong positioning
• Calm finishing
• Close ball control
• Fast reactions
• Confidence during important moments
• A willingness to press opposing defenders

He often moves into open spaces before defenders can react. This helps him receive passes in dangerous positions.

He is not only focused on scoring. He can also create chances for teammates and help his team win the ball higher up the field.

Work Ethic and Personality

Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley has praised Hall’s attitude in training.

Bradley described him as a young player who arrives ready to work, listen and improve.

This attitude is important because early success can create pressure. However, the forward has continued to focus on training and team performances rather than personal attention.

After his record-breaking hat trick, he thanked the teammates who created chances for him. He also spoke about the hard work that helped him reach that moment.

International Career

Hall has represented the United States at youth level.

He helped the United States win the 2023 Concacaf Boys’ Under-15 Championship. The American team defeated Mexico 4–2 in the final, while Hall scored three goals during the tournament.

He later represented the United States at under-17 level and played three matches at the 2025 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

The young player is also eligible to represent Poland and has received a call-up from a Polish youth team.

As of July 2026, he has not played for the senior national team of either country. Therefore, his long-term international choice remains open.

Like an Ireland international forward with connections to more than one country, Hall may eventually need to make an important decision about his senior international future.

He has said that playing at a World Cup is one of his dreams. However, he has also explained that his present focus is performing well for his club.

Career Statistics

According to his official MLS player profile, Hall’s early senior career includes important contributions in MLS, MLS NEXT Pro, the US Open Cup and the Leagues Cup.

His published MLS record by season includes:

2023

• One MLS appearance
• Became one of the youngest players in league history

2024

• 11 MLS appearances
• Two goals
• One assist

2025

• 25 MLS appearances
• Four starts
• One goal
• First MLS start

2026

As of the official statistical update published in July 2026:

• 15 appearances
• 15 starts
• Nine goals
• Four assists
• 1,285 minutes played

He also scored three goals in two US Open Cup appearances during the 2026 season.

Major Records and Achievements

Hall’s verified achievements include:

• Youngest goalscorer in Red Bull New York first-team history
• Youngest goalscorer in New York Red Bulls II history
• Second-youngest Homegrown signing in club history
• One of the youngest players to appear in an MLS match
• Youngest regular-season hat-trick scorer in MLS history
• Youngest player to score five goals in his first six matches of an MLS season
• 2023 MLS NEXT Cup under-15 champion
• 2023 MLS NEXT Cup Most Valuable Player
• 2023 Generation Adidas Cup Golden Boot winner
• Two-time MLS Player of the Matchday winner in 2026
• Selected for the 2026 MLS All-Star team

Why Is Julian Hall Considered a Special Talent?

Hall stands out because he began achieving professional records before turning 18.

Many young players need several seasons to become regular starters. He moved from academy soccer to professional matches quickly and continued scoring at each level.

His 2026 performances were especially important because he did not only appear as a substitute. He became a regular starter and one of his team’s main attacking players.

However, his long-term success will depend on continued development. Young players must improve their strength, decision-making, movement and consistency as opponents learn how to defend against them.

Future Career

Hall remains under contract with Red Bull New York through the end of the 2026 season, with an option for 2027.

His performances have created interest in his future, but no confirmed transfer has been announced.

For now, his main goals are likely to include scoring regularly, helping his club compete in MLS and earning opportunities at senior international level.

His development will be closely watched by supporters in the United States, Poland and other football countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Julian Hall?

He is 18 years old as of July 2026. He was born on 24 March 2008.

Where was Julian Hall born?

He was born in New York City and is described as a Manhattan native.

Which club does Julian Hall play for?

He plays for Red Bull New York in Major League Soccer.

What position does he play?

He plays as a forward, mainly in the central striker position.

What shirt number does he wear?

He wears number 16 for Red Bull New York.

What MLS record does Julian Hall hold?

He became the youngest player to score a regular-season MLS hat trick. He achieved the record at 18 years and 50 days old.

Has he played for the United States?

Yes. He has represented the United States at under-15 and under-17 levels.

Can he play for Poland?

Yes. He is eligible for Poland and has previously received a Polish youth-team call-up.

Has he played for a senior national team?

As of July 2026, he has not made a senior international appearance for the United States or Poland.

Conclusion

Julian Hall is one of the most promising young soccer players developed by Red Bull New York.

He moved from the club’s academy into professional soccer while still in his mid-teens. Since then, he has broken scoring records, become a regular MLS starter and earned an All-Star selection.

His historic hat trick showed that he can perform during major moments. Although he is still at the beginning of his career, his progress has already made him an important young name in American soccer.

His next challenge will be turning early promise into long-term success at club and international level.