Marie-Louise Eta has made history in German football by becoming the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues. The 34-year-old was appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin following the departure of Steffen Baumgart, whose exit came after a disappointing 3-1 loss to FC Heidenheim.
Eta will guide the team for the remainder of the season as Union Berlin, currently 11th in the Bundesliga, seeks to stabilize its form. With five games left to play, they hold an 11-point buffer above the relegation zone, but their recent run of only two wins in 14 league matches has raised concerns.
Known for breaking new ground, Eta was the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga and briefly took charge of the team during a 1-0 victory over Darmstadt 98 in early 2024 while then-manager Nenad Bjelica served a suspension. A former youth international for Germany and a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam, she has been managing Union’s U-19 side since mid-2025 and is set to become the head coach of the club’s women’s team next season.
Union Berlin’s decision to part ways with Baumgart was attributed to poor performances in the second half of the season, despite their relatively comfortable position in the standings. Eta, however, remains optimistic about the task ahead. She emphasized that the key to securing the club’s top-flight status lies in maintaining unity within the squad.
