Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed as the first female head coach of Union Berlin, marking a historic moment in Bundesliga history.
How did Marie-Louise Eta become the first female head coach of Union Berlin? The answer lies in her remarkable journey and recent appointment following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart.
On April 12, 2026, Marie-Louise Eta made history by becoming the first female head coach in Bundesliga history, a groundbreaking achievement not just for the league but for women’s representation in men’s football across Europe.
Eta, who is 34 years old, previously served as Union Berlin’s under-19s manager since July 2025. She has a rich background in football, having won the Champions League in 2010 with Turbine Potsdam and three Bundesliga titles as a player.
Her appointment comes at a challenging time for Union Berlin, which currently sits in 11th place in the Bundesliga, just seven points clear of the relegation playoff spot. The team has struggled recently, winning only two games since Christmas 2025, including a disappointing 3-1 loss to FC Heidenheim just before Baumgart’s sacking.
In her first statement as head coach, Eta expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task.” She acknowledged the precarious situation, stating, “Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure.”
Horst Heldt, the club’s sporting director, also commented on her appointment, stating, “I’m delighted that Marie-Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before she becomes head coach of the women’s first team as planned in the summer.”
While women have managed men’s football teams in lower divisions, Eta’s role marks a significant milestone as she takes charge in the top flight of European leagues, a position previously unoccupied by women.
As she prepares to lead the team through the final five matches of the season, the focus will be on securing crucial points to avoid relegation. The upcoming matches will be pivotal in determining not only the club’s fate this season but also the impact of Eta’s groundbreaking role in the future of football.
