Marie‑Louise Eta became the first woman to coach a men’s team in Europe’s top leagues after Union Berlin appointed her interim manager for the rest of the Bundesliga season. The club acted after a 3‑1 defeat to Heidenheim increased pressure on the technical staff.
first woman to coach a men’s team in Europe’s top leagues
Union Berlin sit 11th in the Bundesliga, 11 points 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 offered confidence in the previous setup. The club dismissed Steffen Baumgart and turned to Eta to stabilise the final stretch of the campaign.
Eta’s coaching rise
Eta joined Union Berlin’s staff in 2023 and became the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach later that year. She led the team from the touchline in January 2024 during Nenad Bjelica’s suspension, guiding 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 manages Union’s under‑19s and will take charge of the women’s team in the summer.
Reaction inside the club
Eta acknowledged the challenge, noting that Union remain only seven points above the relegation play‑off position. She believes unity will secure the points needed to stay in the league. Club spokesperson Jacob Sweetman said support for her appointment has been overwhelmingly positive, calling it one of the strongest reactions he has seen in two decades at the club.
A wider milestone
Eta follows earlier breakthroughs by Carolina Morace, Corinne Diacre, and Hannah Dingley, who each held roles in men’s football across Europe.