On a historic Wednesday night, 18-year-old Julian Hall announced himself to the soccer world in spectacular fashion, netting all three goals in the New York Red Bulls' thrilling 3-2 victory over the Columbus Crew. It wasn't just his first professional hat-trick—it was a moment that etched his name into Major League Soccer's record books.
At just 18 years and 50 days old, Hall became the youngest player ever to score a hat-trick in MLS history, surpassing previous record holders Ricardo Pepi and Kekuta Manneh. The milestone adds another chapter to what has already been a remarkable journey for the young forward.
A homegrown product of the Red Bulls' academy system, Hall made his MLS debut on September 30, 2023, at the tender age of 15 years and 190 days—making him the youngest player to ever appear for the club in league competition. His development has since taken him across the Atlantic for a stint with RB Leipzig's Under-19 side in Germany, a testament to his growing reputation on both sides of the ocean.
This season has been nothing short of sensational for the teenager. In just 15 appearances, Hall has racked up 12 goals and two assists, quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting young talents in North American soccer. His performances have naturally drawn attention from the United States national team setup, where he has chosen to represent at the youth level despite having Polish roots.
While a World Cup call-up under Mauricio Pochettino may still be a stretch for the final squad announcement, the future is undeniably bright for this rising star. Whether he's donning the Red Bulls' colors or representing his country, Julian Hall is proving that age is just a number—and that the next generation of soccer talent is already here.
