Marie‑Louise Eta became the first woman as men’s team coach in Europe’s top leagues after Union Berlin appointed her interim manager for the rest of the Bundesliga season. The club acted following a 3‑1 defeat to Heidenheim that increased pressure on the technical staff.
first woman as men’s team coach in Europe’s top leagues
Union Berlin sit 11th in the Bundesliga, holding an 11‑point cushion above automatic relegation. However, they won only two of their past 14 league matches in 2026. Director of men’s football Horst Heldt said recent performances no longer provided confidence in the previous coaching structure. The club dismissed Steffen Baumgart and turned to Eta to stabilise the final phase of the campaign.
Eta’s coaching journey
Eta joined Union Berlin’s staff in 2023 and became the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach later that year. She stepped in during Nenad Bjelica’s suspension in January 2024 and guided a 1‑0 win over Darmstadt. Her background includes a Women’s Champions League title with Turbine Potsdam and experience as a Germany youth international. She currently leads Union’s under‑19s and will take charge of the women’s team in the summer.
Club reaction and expectations
Eta said the team must stay united to protect their seven‑point gap above the relegation play‑off position. She believes disciplined performances will secure the points needed to remain in the league. Club spokesperson Jacob Sweetman described the public response as overwhelmingly positive, calling it one of the strongest reactions he has witnessed in two decades at Union.
A wider milestone
Eta’s appointment follows earlier breakthroughs by Carolina Morace, Corinne Diacre, and Hannah Dingley, who each held roles in men’s football across Europe.