Marie-Louise Eta becomes first woman to coach men’s Bundesliga team
Marie-Louise Eta has been named interim head coach of Union Berlin, making history as the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five football leagues. Her appointment follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after a disappointing run of results. Eta previously broke barriers as Union Berlin’s first female assistant coach and has also led the team during a Bundesliga match. The club and its supporters have shown strong backing for her as she takes on this new challenge.
Match highlights
- Marie-Louise Eta is the first woman to coach a men’s team in Europe’s top five leagues after being named interim head coach of Union Berlin.
- Her appointment follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after Union Berlin’s 3-1 defeat to FC Heidenheim.
- Eta was Union Berlin’s first female assistant coach in November 2023 and led the team during a Bundesliga match in January 2024.
- She has also worked as Union Berlin’s U19 coach since July 2025 and is set to become the women’s head coach in the summer.
- Club spokesperson Jacob Sweetman said the response from supporters has been “99% positive.”
