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Marie-Louise Eta has made 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 follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after Union Berlin’s 3-1 defeat to FC Heidenheim, with the club moving quickly to steady results in the closing stages of the season.
Union Berlin currently sit 11th in the Bundesliga, 11 points clear of the relegation zone with five matches remaining, but poor form has put pressure on the team after just two wins in their last 14 league outings in 2026.
The club’s director of men’s football, Horst Heldt, said recent performances forced the decision to make a change.
“We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season. The performances shown in recent weeks do not give us confidence that we can turn things around with the current set-up,” he said.
Eta is already a trailblazer at the club, having become Union Berlin’s first female assistant coach in November 2023 before stepping in to lead the team from the touchline in January 2024 during a suspension of then manager Nenad Bjelica.
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A former German youth international and UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam, she has also been working with the club’s U19 side since July 2025 and is expected to take charge of the women’s team permanently in the summer.
Speaking after her appointment, Eta acknowledged the pressure of the task, with the club yet to fully secure its Bundesliga status.
“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure. I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points,” she said.
Club spokesperson Jacob Sweetman said fans have responded positively to the decision despite the timing.
“In my nearly 20 years with this club, I am not sure I have ever seen such unanimous support for a new coach coming in,” he said.
Eta’s appointment marks another milestone in European football, as more women continue to break into managerial roles in the men’s game.
