Marie-Louise Eta Union Berlin coach appointment makes history as she becomes first woman to manage a men’s team in Europe’s top five leagues

Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five football leagues.

Also read: Wayne Rooney Predicts Manchester City Victory Over Arsenal in Title Clash

The appointment, confirmed on Sunday, runs until the end of the season following the dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart after Union Berlin’s 3–1 defeat to FC Heidenheim.

Club officials said the decision was driven by a run of poor results, with Union Berlin winning only two of their last 14 league matches in 2026, leaving them 11th in the Bundesliga table.

Despite their struggles, the club remains 11 points clear of the relegation zone with five matches left to play.

Union Berlin’s director of men’s football, Horst Heldt, said the team’s recent performances had not inspired confidence of a turnaround under the previous setup.

Eta, who has already broken multiple barriers at the club, previously served as Union Berlin’s first female assistant coach and has worked with the U19 team since July 2025.

She also temporarily led the team from the touchline in 2024 during a suspension of then-manager Nenad Bjelica, further establishing her presence within the men’s setup.

Before her coaching career, Eta played as a German youth international and won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Turbine Potsdam.

Speaking after her appointment, she acknowledged the pressure of the role, stressing that the club’s Bundesliga status is not yet secure but expressing confidence in securing vital points.

Club spokesperson Jacob Sweetman said the response from supporters had been overwhelmingly positive, describing near-unanimous backing for her appointment.

Eta’s achievement adds to a growing list of milestones for women in men’s football management across Europe, following pioneers such as Carolina Morace, Corinne Diacre, and Hannah Dingley.

Also read: Wayne Rooney Predicts Manchester City Victory Over Arsenal in Title Clash

She now takes charge at a critical stage of the season, with Union Berlin aiming to secure their top-flight status in the final weeks of the campaign.