Union Berlin Appoint Marie-Louise Eta as First Female Head Coach, Her Beauty Calls Men Players to Order
Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach of their men’s team until the end of the season.
Her appointment follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after the club’s recent defeat to FC Heidenheim.
Eta’s elevation marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first woman to manage a men’s team in Bundesliga history.
The 32-year-old had already broken new ground in 2023 when she became the first woman to serve as an assistant coach in the Bundesliga and across Europe’s top five leagues — the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and Bundesliga.
She has been part of Union Berlin’s coaching setup for several years, working within the club’s youth system before progressing to the senior team.
Union Berlin have endured an inconsistent campaign this season, despite competing in the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.
The club is now looking to stabilise results in the closing stages of the season, with Eta expected to lead the team through to June.
Her appointment is expected to attract significant attention across German football, not only for its sporting implications but also for its broader impact on gender representation in the men’s game.