Marie‑Louise Eta Becomes First Woman to Manage a Men’s Team in Europe’s Top Five Leagues as Union Berlin Appoint Her Interim Coach

 

Marie‑Louise Eta has made history after being named interim head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues. The 34‑year‑old steps into the role following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, who was sacked after Union’s 3–1 defeat to bottom‑placed Heidenheim on Saturday.

Union sit 11th in the Bundesliga and remain seven points above St. Pauli in the relegation play‑off position, but their form has collapsed in 2024 — just two wins in 14 league matches this calendar year. With five games left, Eta acknowledged the pressure but expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to secure safety.

“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” Eta said. “I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been the ability to pull together in such situations. I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points.”

Eta, who will take over as head coach of Union’s women’s team at the end of the season, has served as assistant coach for the men’s side and previously led the club’s under‑19s. She also deputised for suspended manager Nenad Bjelica during a 1–0 win over Darmstadt in January 2024 — a moment many now view as a precursor to her historic appointment.

Her elevation comes more than 25 years after Carolina Morace became the first woman to manage a men’s professional team in Europe when she took charge of Italian third‑division side Viterbese in 1999. Eta’s appointment marks a landmark moment not only for Union Berlin, but for European football as a whole.