Julian Hall Could Save MLS | OneFootball

Who is Julian Hall, and what does he mean for American soccer? He’s not just some teenage prodigy, he’s a clear sign that something big is coming for MLS. The meteoric rise of the New York Red Bulls forward, who made history by becoming the second-youngest player in the league to make his debut, tells us that American soccer is no longer going to be the second-rate show sitting on the sports shelf. Hall could be the key to something much, much bigger.

When you look at Hall’s career, the first thing that jumps out at you is just how different he is. When the young forward made his MLS debut at just 15 years and 190 days, he wasn’t just checking a box. He was turning a page in a book that had, up until now, been stuck in a cycle of unfulfilled promises. After all, young talents have come and gone in MLS, but most fade into the background, either struggling to adapt to the league's cold reality or simply not being good enough. But Hall? He seems like he was born with a purpose.

And it’s not just about making history with his debut. The kid knows how to seize a moment. When he scored his first goal in the draw against CF Montréal, it wasn’t just a goal, it was a statement. He wasn’t there just to take up space on the team; he was there to write his own chapter in the story. And that’s exactly what he did: he made himself a legend at the club by becoming the youngest player to score for the Red Bulls. Not bad, considering that MLS isn’t exactly known for its youthful stars.

We can’t ignore the impact he’s already had. Hall didn’t just show up; he knew when to be clutch. It wasn’t just one goal here and there; the kid was responsible for three goals, an assist, and even helped the team earn a red card against the opposition. He wasn’t just playing; he was taking control of the game when the Red Bulls needed him most, especially in the heat of the playoff race.

This is the kind of player that could take MLS to a whole new level. And, to be honest, the league desperately needed it. Competing against foreign teams wasn’t enough anymore; MLS needed a shake-up. The lackluster games with aging stars or mediocre players chasing one last paycheck were giving way to a future that felt pretty dull. But now, with Julian Hall, MLS has something it hasn’t had in a long time: real, genuine hope.

For years, the league has been lagging behind in talent production and global recognition. U.S. soccer has always been a place for veterans looking for a golden retirement, but that didn’t exactly inspire a deep passion for the game. Hall changes that. He’s the kind of player who can finally lift MLS to a point where it actually matters.

So, is Julian Hall really ready to become the face of North American soccer, or will he be just another overhyped talent lost in the shuffle? Well, with him, it feels different. It’s not just his raw talent that stands out, it’s his mindset. Hall isn’t just a player; he’s someone who knows exactly where he’s headed. He’s got a vision for his future, and that’s something rare.

And if you think Hall’s success will be limited to MLS, think again. He’s currently being scouted by the youth teams of two countries: the United States and Poland. Why? Because, in addition to being American, Hall holds a Polish passport. Two footballing powerhouses are eyeing this kid, which only adds to the pressure for him to prove himself on the international stage. But it’s also a huge opportunity, and Hall knows it. It might even be the case that he’ll end up representing one of these countries in youth competitions. If that happens, the impact will be immediate.

If you want to draw a comparison between Hall and other rising stars in world football, the most obvious name would be Kylian Mbappé, who, at the same age, was showing an insane level of potential. The difference here, though, is that while MLS is growing, it’s still not on the same level as a league like Ligue 1. So, Hall’s development will have to be closely watched, not just by MLS fans, but by soccer experts around the world. The pressure’s on, but from what we’ve seen so far, the kid looks ready to face whatever comes his way.

MLS still has a long way to go before it becomes a top-tier league on the world stage. It’s not anywhere near the Premier League or La Liga. But with talents like Hall emerging, the league is starting to show signs that it can evolve. The trend could very well be that more young players like him start seeing MLS not as a stopgap, but as a place to build a career, and maybe even shine. No longer just a league for retirees or boring football, MLS is changing, and Julian Hall is the face of that transformation. If he continues to grow, 2025 could be the year American soccer finally gets its new global superstar.