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Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta as head coach of their men’s team, making her the first woman to take on the role in Bundesliga history and across Europe’s top five leagues.
The 34-year-old has been named on an interim basis until the end of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after a 3–1 defeat to Heidenheim.
Eta steps into the role at a shaky moment, with Union currently sitting 11th in the standings and still not mathematically completely safe from relegation.
+++ Neue Kraft für den Endspurt: Marie-Louise #Eta übernimmt +++
Die Profimannschaft der Männer wird die Schlussphase der Saison und den Kampf um den Klassenerhalt unter der Leitung von Marie-Louise Eta angehen, bisherige Trainerin der U19-Junioren und künftige Cheftrainerin der… pic.twitter.com/5w84jM4kyu
— 1. FC Union Berlin (@fcunion) April 11, 2026
A historic appointment in European football
Her appointment is an important moment in football, not only in Germany but across Europe’s top five leagues, where no woman had previously led a men’s first team.
Eta is no stranger to breaking barriers. She already became the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga in 2023 and has since been part of Union’s technical structure, most recently coaching the club’s U19 team.
Union’s decision comes after a difficult run of form. With just two wins in 14 matches since the winter break, the club needed a change in leadership.
In her first statement, Eta said “I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task.” She also shared her confidence in the team’s ability to secure the points needed to stay in the Bundesliga.
Her immediate focus will be on stabilizing results in the final stretch of the season, as Union still needs points to guarantee survival.
Eta will take charge of the remaining matches before moving into her previously planned role as head coach of Union Berlin’s women’s team next season.
