Hall Continues to Make a Statement for Red Bull

Red Bull New York came into 2026 with a double-digit goal-scoring striker named Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. At 16 goals, he was one of the more successful strikers for the club since Bradley Wright-Phillips. While many pundits expected Choupo-Moting to be the starting striker in 2026, new head coach Michael Bradley made the decision to go with a far younger and unproven forward in Julian Hall.

The decision to choose the 18 year-old over the German veteran was one that didn’t go unnoticed. However, Hall has given little room to criticized the decision as he has already scored five goals and notched two assists in seven appearances. It’s become nearly impossible to leave him out of the starting line-up.

“I think he has really, really good qualities as a nine,” said head coach Michael Bradley. “The work that he does in terms of helping us press and helping us chase and make sure that the other team has no time to do what they want. That sends such a clear and strong signal to the rest of our group in terms of how we can close the space behind him and where is the next play going so we can be on top of that.”

Hall has spent years developing with the Red Bull Academy before hopping into the reserve team. He made eight appearances in 2023 before permanently moving to the first team that same year. His age presented an issue during night games but now that he is 18, his abilities can be put to full use.

His stats have also made it difficult for a talent like Choupo-Moting to see significant time on the field. This season he has been relegated to spot starts or coming in as a substitute close to the end of matches. So far it doesn’t appear to be an issue as both players and coaches have talked glowingly about how Hall has developed in the role.

“I’m very grateful to have him as a coach,” said Hall about head coach Michael Bradley. “He helps me so much in training and in the game. He gives me so much confidence. It’s been great all around so far.”