Marie Louise Eta has made 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 was confirmed following the dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart after Union Berlin’s 3 1 defeat to FC Heidenheim. The role will run until the end of the season as the club battles to ilize its Bundesliga campaign.
Union Berlin currently sit 11th in the Bundesliga table, 11 points clear of the relegation zone, but have struggled significantly in recent months, winning just two of their last 14 league matches in 2026.
Club director of men’s football Horst Heldt explained that the decision was driven by poor performances and the need for a fresh approach during the final stretch of the season. He said the team’s recent form had not inspired confidence in the existing setup.
Eta is no stranger to breaking barriers at Union Berlin. She became the club’s first female assistant coach in 2023 and later stepped in as interim touchline leader during a Bundesliga match in 2024 when the head coach was suspended. She has also been working with the club’s U19 team since 2025.
Before her coaching career, Eta played at youth international level for Germany and won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Turbine Potsdam, giving her a strong foundation in elite football.
Speaking after her appointment, Eta acknowledged the pressure of the situation, noting that the team is still not mathematically safe from relegation. She expressed confidence that the squad can secure the necessary points to remain in the top flight.
Club spokesperson Jacob Sweetman said the reaction from supporters had been overwhelmingly positive, describing near unanimous backing for her appointment despite the difficult circumstances.
Eta’s achievement places her among a small group of pioneering women in men’s football, alongside figures such as Carolina Morace, Corinne Diacre, and Hannah Dingley who have all broken similar barriers in the sport.
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