Union Berlin Appoints First Female Head Coach

Marie-Louise Eta has made history by becoming the first woman to lead a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues. The 34-year-old has been named interim head coach of Bundesliga side Union Berlin, taking over following the departure of Steffen Baumgart. Baumgart’s exit came after his team suffered a 3-1 loss to FC Heidenheim on Saturday.

Union Berlin currently occupies the 11th position in the 18-team Bundesliga table. With five matches remaining, the club holds an 11-point lead over the automatic relegation zone. However, their campaign in 2026 has seen just two league victories across 14 games. Eta’s interim role marks a pivotal shift for the team as they seek to stabilize their fortunes.

Background of Marie-Louise Eta

Before her current appointment, Eta was a trailblazer within Union Berlin’s coaching framework. She became the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach in November 2023, later stepping into a leadership role during a 1-0 win over Darmstadt in January 2024. This marked her first time managing from the touchline, a feat that solidified her reputation as a resilient figure in German football.

A former Germany youth international, Eta also claimed victory in the Women’s Champions League with Turbine Potsdam. Since July 2025, she has served as the under-19s manager for the club, gaining valuable experience before transitioning to the senior men’s team in the summer.

“We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season and will not allow ourselves to be blinded by our league position,” said Horst Heldt, Union’s director of men’s football. “Our situation remains precarious. The performances shown in recent weeks do not give us confidence that we can turn things around with the current set-up. We have therefore decided to make a fresh start.”

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” Eta noted. “I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations. I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points.”

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