Marie-Louise Eta has taken a historic step in European football after being appointed interim manager of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to lead a men’s side in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
The decision comes after the club parted ways with Steffen Baumgart following a disappointing 3-1 loss to FC Heidenheim. Eta will now guide the team through the remainder of the season.
Despite sitting 11th in the Bundesliga, Union Berlin’s recent form has raised concerns, with just two victories recorded in their last 14 league games this year. They remain 11 points clear of the relegation zone, but pressure has mounted due to a string of underwhelming performances.
Eta is no stranger to setting records. She previously became the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach in 2023 and later made headlines again in early 2024 when she temporarily took charge from the sidelines during a win over Darmstadt 98 while Nenad Bjelica served a suspension.
Before this promotion, she had been managing the club’s under-19 team and is also expected to assume the role of head coach of the women’s team in the summer.
Club director Horst Heldt acknowledged the team’s struggles in the second half of the campaign, stressing that a change was necessary to improve results.
Eta now faces the immediate challenge of stabilising the squad as they look to finish the season strongly and stay comfortably ahead of FC St. Pauli, who are battling in the relegation play-off position.
