Julian Hall: Red Bulls' Teen Sensation Bags Brace and Shuts Down the Doubters
Julian Hall, the 17-year-old New York Red Bulls striker, marked the 2026 MLS opener with a brace, becoming an instant hero ahead of veteran Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. From academy dominance to record-breaking goals, the New York-born talent, as detailed by Zach Lowy in FourFourTwo, is primed for USMNT stardom. With poacher instincts and Lewandowski vibes, he's the next big thing from the Red Bulls production line.
Julian Hall: Red Bulls' Teen Sensation Bags Brace and Shuts Down the Doubters
Picture this: a 17-year-old lad from New York City lining up as centre-forward for New York Red Bulls in their season opener. Not on the bench, mind – starting ahead of a bloke like Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, ex-PSG star. Sounds mad? Well, Julian Hall made it look easy, smashing in a first-half brace to seal a 2-1 win.
As reported by Zach Lowy in FourFourTwo, the Red Bulls Academy has form for churning out gems like Tyler Adams, Timothy Weah and Matt Miazga. Hall's the latest, and blimey, he's got the pedigree.
Academy Ace to MLS Newbie
Born on 24 March 2008, Hall grew up in the Big Apple and linked up with the Red Bulls set-up in 2020. The kid was a machine: 28 goals in 39 games at youth level, clinching the club's first U-15 MLS NEXT Cup in 2023 with an MVP nod after bagging five.
He followed that with the Golden Boot at the Generation Adidas Cup – another five strikes. Come September 2023, he inked a three-year deal with the first team. Debut? Third-youngest in MLS history, and the baby of Red Bulls records. But patience was key; early days were sub appearances only.
That changed in June 2024 – off the bench after seconds, he nodded home a 88th-minute equaliser against CF Montréal. Second-youngest scorer in MLS ever, pipping all but Freddy Adu. Two goals in 13 games that year, then two more in 31 the next, plus stints with USA U-15s and U-17s.
Even New Jersey child labour laws tried to cramp his style early on – no under-16s past 7pm. Talk about barriers to the beautiful game!
Heroics in the Opener
Fast-forward to February 2026: few tipped Hall to start up top. But manager Michael Bradley backed the youngster over Choupo-Moting. Eight minutes in, Emil Forsberg jinked past defenders, rounded the keeper, and teed up Hall for a tap-in. Stone-cold finish.
Before half-time, Adri Mehmeti – 16 and on his first MLS start! – whipped in a cross. Hall muscled free at the near post and volleyed home. 2-1 to the visitors. Twitter exploded: "Remember the name. 17-year-old Julian Hall." Cheeky braces like that don't come often.
Poacher Extraordinaire with USMNT Dreams
Eligible for USA or Poland (mum's maiden name Zakrzewski graces his shirt), Hall worships Robert Lewandowski. At 5'10", he's got growth potential, but already a proper poacher – sniffing out space, killer first touch, body feints to nutmeg markers.
He's glued the ball to his boots in tight spots and delivered in MLS Next Pro. Now? Weekly starter material for Bradley's fresh-faced side. Red Bulls fans are buzzing; Europe's probably next, but don't bet against a USMNT call-up soon.
If you're good enough... well, you know the rest. Hall's proving age is just a number, one thunderous finish at a time. Keep an eye – this lad's special.