Union Berlin has made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach, making her the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues. The 34-year-old takes charge until the end of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, whose side suffered a 3-1 defeat to FC Heidenheim.
A familiar trailblazer
Eta is no stranger to breaking barriers. She previously became the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach in 2023 and, in January 2024, made headlines by becoming the first woman to lead a team from the touchline during a league match. A former German youth international and a Women’s Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam, Eta has steadily built her coaching credentials. She has been managing Union Berlin’s under-19 side since July 2025 and is set to take over as the club’s women’s head coach in the summer.
Task at hand
Union Berlin currently sits mid-table in the Bundesliga, but their form has dipped sharply, with just two wins in 14 league matches in 2026. Despite being 11 points clear of the automatic relegation zone, the club’s hierarchy believes a change was necessary to steady the ship in the final stretch of the season. Eta acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that the team’s top-flight status is not yet secure. With only a handful of matches remaining, every point will be crucial in avoiding a late-season slide.
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Strong backing from club and fans
The decision has been widely welcomed, with overwhelming support from both inside the club and the fanbase. Officials highlighted the need for a “fresh start", while supporters have rallied behind Eta’s appointment. Her leadership will now be tested in a high-pressure environment, but the positive reception suggests strong belief in her ability to guide the team through a difficult phase.
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A milestone moment
Eta’s appointment marks a significant step forward for representation in men’s football. While pioneers like Carolina Morace and Corinne Diacre previously managed men’s teams, none had done so in Europe’s top five leagues until now. As Union Berlin looks to stabilise their season, Eta’s tenure could prove influential not just for the club but for the broader future of women in elite men’s football.
