Marie-Louise Eta has etched her name in football history after being appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Her appointment will run until the end of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, who was relieved of his duties after the club’s 3-1 defeat to FC Heidenheim.
Union Berlin currently occupy 11th position in the Bundesliga standings, maintaining an 11-point cushion above the relegation zone with five matches left to play. However, the side has endured a difficult run of form, securing just two victories in 14 league outings this year.
Explaining the decision, club director Horst Heldt cited the team’s underwhelming performances and the need for a change in direction as the season approaches its conclusion.
Eta is already familiar with trailblazing roles at the club. She was appointed as Union Berlin’s first female assistant coach in November 2023 and later took charge from the touchline during a league match in January 2024 when then-manager Nenad Bjelica was suspended.
A former German youth international and a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam, Eta has also been serving as the club’s U19 coach since July 2025. She is expected to assume the role of head coach of the women’s team in the summer.
Reacting to her appointment, Eta acknowledged the magnitude of the task, noting that Union Berlin’s Bundesliga status is not yet guaranteed despite their current position.
She expressed confidence that the team can secure the necessary points to avoid relegation before the end of the campaign.
Despite the pressure surrounding the role, club spokesperson Jacob Sweetman revealed that supporters have largely welcomed the decision, describing the response as overwhelmingly positive.
Eta’s appointment adds to a growing list of women who have managed men’s teams in Europe, including Carolina Morace, Corinne Diacre, and Hannah Dingley.
She now takes charge at a decisive point in the season as Union Berlin seek to secure their top-flight status in the closing weeks of the campaign.
