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U.S. men's national team forward Julian Hall has rapidly become a recognizable figure in American soccer — though the name on his jersey tells a different story.
The 18-year-old sensation burst onto the national scene this week after netting a goal in each of his first two senior national team appearances, making him the youngest USMNT player in history to score in consecutive matches. Despite being a newcomer, Hall immediately made a stunning impression on the international stage. The New York City native also registered an assist in his debut against Peru and pulled off a clever "dummy" run in the following game that left Chile completely bewildered.
Yet rather than "Hall" across the back of his No. 19 jersey, the teenager displays the name "Zakrzewski" — his mother's maiden name, a tribute to her and his Polish roots.
"I'm shining a spotlight on my mom," Hall said following Tuesday's clash against Chile. "She has a Polish background. She's done so much and sacrificed so much for me to be on a stage like this. I want to give something back to her and honor her in this way."
Hall also sports the name "Zakrzewski" on the back of his No. 16 jersey for club team New York Red Bull, where he has had a standout season. He has accumulated 10 goals and five assists in 26 appearances so far for the MLS club, earning his first-ever selection to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game this summer.
Julian Hall Still Open to Switching Nationalities
The American-Polish dual national has been candid about his uncertainty over which country he ultimately wants to represent.
"I don't really have a preference," Hall told Sports Illustrated back in July. "I've had conversations with the Polish Federation, and I've already represented the U.S. at the youth level."
Even after accepting the call-up from USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the New Yorker remains far from fully committed to representing the Stars and Stripes on a permanent basis.
"I think it's definitely not set in stone for me," he told the New York Post last month ahead of the international camp. "I appreciate the opportunity, and I'm going to give everything I have to make an impact, but I'm definitely still open to representing Poland. That's a side I hold very dear, especially because my mom is from there. I wouldn't say it's finalized."
The Polish national team has made no secret of its desire to land Hall, with Polish soccer federation president Cezary Kulesza even traveling to the U.S. for a personal meeting with Hall's mother. Hall has also been vocal about his admiration for legendary Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who now plays in MLS with the Chicago Fire.
Hall technically remains eligible to switch his international allegiance. Under FIFA's dual-nationality regulations, a player under the age of 21 who appears in more than three competitive international matches for a nation becomes permanently tied to that country. Hall has only featured in friendlies for the USMNT, which do not count toward that threshold at any age.