USMNT’s Julian Hall Pays Homage to Polish Heritage Wearing His Mother’s Name, Zakrzewski, on Jersey

Julian Hall made his USMNT debut on Saturday, and he chose to wear his mother’s Polish heritage on his back. The 18-year-old forward wore his middle name, Zakrzewski, on the back of his jersey during the U.S. men’s national team’s 4-1 win over Peru, honoring his Polish mother while making his mark for the American side.

Hall was born and raised in New York to an American father and Polish mother. He has worn Zakrzewski on his jersey throughout his entire career, from his senior debut for Red Bull New York at age 15 in September 2023 through his first game for the national team. He scored a goal and added an assist off the bench, becoming the third-youngest player to register an assist for the U.S. team in the modern era.

The Debut Performance

Hall came off the bench to contribute directly to the result, scoring and assisting in the 4-1 win over Peru. His assist made him the third-youngest player to register one for the U.S. team in the modern era.

The other goals came from Justin Ellis, Malik Tillman and Sebastian Berhalter. Ellis opened the scoring in the fourth minute, and the World Cup players Tillman and Berhalter rounded out the scoring. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino oversaw a generational shift in the national team player pool, with 11 players earning their first caps in the match.

Hall’s 13 goals and three assists across all competitions this season with the Red Bulls have made him a breakout star.

Why Hall Chose Zakrzewski

Hall’s decision to wear his mother’s name on his jersey was a deliberate statement about his identity. He was born and raised in New York, but his Polish heritage runs deep. By choosing Zakrzewski over his last name, he honored his mother’s family while still representing the United States.

The move is a personal one. Hall’s choice reflects his connection to his mother’s background, even as he plays for the U.S. national team.

The International Eligibility Question

Hall is eligible to represent both the U.S. and Poland. His heritage gives him options, but he has not committed to either national team yet. In an interview with the New York Post earlier this month, Hall said his future was “definitely not solidified” despite receiving a call-up to the USMNT.

The Polish Football Association has already attempted to recruit him. President Cezary Kulesza met Hall’s mother Agnieszka in New York in April and presented her with a Poland jersey with Zakrzewski on the back. Kulesza later posted the photo on social media.

Poland’s Attempt to Recruit Him

Poland’s recruitment effort was public and personal. Kulesza’s meeting with Hall’s mother and the gift of the jersey with Zakrzewski on the back signaled that Poland sees Hall as a potential player. The Polish Football Association has shown interest in him, but Hall has not confirmed any commitment.

Hall’s response to questions about Poland was firm. Days before reporting to his first USMNT camp, he said Poland had not been in contact for their upcoming matches, and he was focused solely on performing for the U.S. team.

“No,” he said last week in response to whether or not Poland had been in touch. “I just wanted to take this opportunity that presented itself with the U.S., and when I go there, I’m going to do as much as I can to make an impact and do well.”

Hall has only represented the USMNT at youth levels. His appearance in Saturday’s win does not cap-tie him to the U.S. team. He could become cap-tied after playing three games for the senior national team or in his first appearance in official competition.

What Comes Next for Hall

Hall’s debut showed what he can do at the highest level, and his international future remains open. Here is how his situation breaks down:

1. Hall is eligible for both the U.S. and Poland.
2. He has not committed to either national team.
3. Poland has tried to recruit him, with Kulesza meeting his mother in April.
4. Hall said Poland had not contacted him for upcoming matches.
5. His first USMNT cap does not cap-tie him to the U.S. team.
6. He could become cap-tied after three senior appearances or his first appearance in official competition.

His decision to wear Zakrzewski on his jersey sent a message about where his heart lies now. He honored his mother’s heritage while playing for the United States.

The Meaning Behind the Jersey

Wearing Zakrzewski on his jersey was a simple act with a large meaning. Hall chose to acknowledge his Polish roots publicly on the biggest stage of his young career. The name carries his mother’s family history, and by placing it on his jersey, Hall made a statement about who he is and where he comes from.

The choice also shows respect for his mother. Hall’s decision to honor her heritage in this way speaks to the relationship between a son and his parent. It is a quiet tribute.

For now, Hall has answered the call to the USMNT. He scored and assisted in his debut, and he spoke confidently about his commitment to the American team. His choice of name on the back of his jersey was a small act with a big meaning. It honored his mother’s Polish roots while showing the world that he belongs on the U.S. team.

The coming months will show whether Hall stays with the U.S. or heads to Poland.

Source material: “USMNT's Julian Hall pays homage to Polish heritage wearing his mother's name, Zakrzewski, on jersey,” CBS Sports.

Julian Hall · national team · Peru · soccer · USMNT