Choupo-Moting's Role Shifts as Red Bulls' Hall Breaks Out

Veteran striker takes on mentorship duties as young star Julian Hall emerges

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:38am

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A youth movement for the New York Red Bulls has led to a changing role for veteran striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. After leading the team in scoring last year, Choupo-Moting has largely come off the bench this season as 21-year-old Julian Hall has emerged as a breakout star. Red Bulls coach Michael Bradley praised Choupo-Moting's professionalism and leadership in mentoring the team's young attacking players, including Hall and Tanner Rosborough.

Why it matters

The Red Bulls' transition to a younger roster signals a shift in the team's approach, with veteran stars like Choupo-Moting taking on more of a supporting role. This reflects a broader trend in MLS towards developing homegrown talent, which can create challenges for established players but also opportunities for the next generation to shine.

The details

Outside of the third game of the season, Choupo-Moting has come off the bench late in matches, a stark contrast from last year when he started 31 of the club's 33 regular-season games. Red Bulls coach Michael Bradley praised Choupo-Moting's professionalism and leadership, noting that he has been exceptional in mentoring the team's young attacking players like Hall and Tanner Rosborough.

  • Choupo-Moting led the Red Bulls in scoring last year.
  • Through the first four games this season, Choupo-Moting has averaged 24 minutes per game off the bench.
  • Choupo-Moting scored his first goal of the year in the club's 1-1 draw against Toronto FC earlier this month.

The players

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

A veteran striker who led the Red Bulls in scoring last year but has taken on more of a mentorship role this season as younger players have emerged.

Julian Hall

A 21-year-old forward who has emerged as a breakout star for the Red Bulls this season, displacing the veteran Choupo-Moting in the starting lineup.

Michael Bradley

The head coach of the New York Red Bulls, who has praised Choupo-Moting's professionalism and leadership in mentoring the team's young players.

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What they’re saying

“He is an incredible teammate. The example that he sets for everybody, even at his age and his experience, just the enthusiasm he walks in here with every day.”

— Michael Bradley, Red Bulls Head Coach

“Believe in yourself, that's the only thing, and just do your best at every training. You can't moan, you can't be [this] or that. You have to do the best you can and that's why we have so many guys who set a perfect example. For me, Choupo is in every way exceptional. The way he works as a human and also as a soccer player, for me, is incredible.”

— Emil Forsberg, Red Bulls Teammate

What’s next

The Red Bulls will continue to evaluate Choupo-Moting's role on a week-to-week basis as the season progresses, with coach Michael Bradley indicating that 'nothing is set in stone' regarding the veteran striker's playing time.

The takeaway

The Red Bulls' transition to a younger roster has created a new dynamic, with veteran stars like Choupo-Moting taking on more of a mentorship role. This reflects a broader trend in MLS towards developing homegrown talent, which can be challenging for established players but also presents opportunities for the next generation to shine.