Bundesliga: Union Berlin Names First Female Head Coach

Union Berlin has made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as its inaugural female head coach in the senior men’s ranks of Europe’s top five leagues. The decision follows the removal of Steffen Baumgart, who was dismissed after a 1-3 loss to Heidenheim. This result left the Berlin side with just two victories in 2026 and threatened its Bundesliga survival.

At 34, Eta brings prior experience in men’s football, having led Union’s under-19 squad. She will take temporary charge of the first team for the remaining five games of the season before transitioning to the women’s team in the summer. Union’s sports director, Horst Heldt, expressed confidence in the move, stating,

“The second half of the season has been a source of frustration for the club. With only two wins from 14 games since the winter break and recent performances, we felt the need to reset. I’m thrilled Marie-Louise has agreed to step in.”

Her first match in charge will be against VfL Wolfsburg next Saturday, a game she acknowledges as critical. “Our Bundesliga survival isn’t guaranteed yet,” Eta remarked. “But Union’s ability to unite in tough moments gives me hope that this challenge will be met with determination.”

Coaching Journey and Playing Career

Before this role, Eta played for Turbine Potsdam, where she secured three Women’s Bundesliga titles and the 2010 European Champions League. She represented Germany from under-15 to under-23 levels, claiming the under-17 European Championship in 2008 and the under-20 World Cup in 2010. However, injuries forced her to retire at 26.

Her coaching path began in 2023 with the completion of a UEFA Pro License, the qualification needed to helm a professional men’s team. Eta previously served as an assistant to Marco Grote during his interim tenure after Urs Fischer’s exit, later remaining under Bjelica as the first female coach in the Champions League.

Significance of the Appointment

While female coaches have managed men’s teams in lower divisions, Eta marks a milestone as the first to lead a top-tier squad in England, Spain, Germany, France, or Italy. Currently, Sabrina Wittmann coaches Ingolstadt in the third tier, and Corinne Diacre once managed Clermont in France’s second division until 2017. Eta’s appointment signals a new era for women in European football leadership.