Marie-Louise Eta has made history after being appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Sudden Change at Union Berlin
The club acted after dismissing Steffen Baumgart, following a 3–1 defeat to bottom side FC Heidenheim. As a result, Union turned to Eta to stabilise a struggling side that sits 11th in the Bundesliga but has endured a difficult run of form, winning only twice in 14 league matches in 2026.
A Rapid Rise Through the Club
Eta has already broken new ground at Union Berlin. She became the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach in November 2023, and later stepped in as interim touchline leader during Nenad Bjelica’s suspension, guiding the team to a 1–0 win over Darmstadt in January 2024. Consequently, she has steadily built experience within the men’s setup.
In addition, she has managed Union’s under-19 side since July 2025, and the club has already confirmed her future role as head coach of the women’s team.
Union’s director of men’s football, Horst Heldt, acknowledged the team’s poor form and explained that the club needed a reset. He stressed that recent performances had not inspired confidence and justified a change in leadership.
Meanwhile, Eta has accepted the challenge and highlighted the seriousness of the situation. She pointed out that, although Union sit clear of the bottom two, they remain only a short distance above the relegation play-off zone. Therefore, she emphasised that the team has not yet secured its Bundesliga status.
Confidence from Within the Club
Despite the pressure, strong internal support has followed her appointment. Club spokesperson Jacob Sweetman revealed that the reaction from fans and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, he described the response as one of the most unified he has seen in nearly two decades at the club, with almost complete backing for the decision.
A Landmark Moment in European Football
Eta’s appointment continues a gradual shift in men’s football. Previously, Carolina Morace managed Viterbese in 1999, while Corinne Diacre led Clermont Foot between 2014 and 2017.
More recently, Hannah Dingley briefly took charge of Forest Green Rovers as caretaker in 2023, although she did not oversee a competitive match.
A High-Stakes Mission Ahead
Ultimately, Eta now faces an immediate challenge: stabilising Union Berlin’s season and securing their Bundesliga status. While her appointment marks a historic breakthrough, it also places her at the centre of a tense relegation battle where results will define the story that follows.