Marie-Louise Eta becomes first woman to take charge of a men's Bundesliga side at Union Berlin
Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed as the new head coach of Bundesliga side 1. FC Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to take charge of a men's team in one of Europe's top five major leagues. The 34-year-old, who was the assistant coach for the club's U19 side, will take over the first team with immediate effect, the club confirmed on Sunday.
Eta, who succeeds the departing Steffen Baumgart, has been tasked with securing the club's Bundesliga status. Union Berlin currently sit 11th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation playoff spot. Her first match in charge will be against SC Freiburg on the final day of the season.
Her appointment marks a historic moment for the German top flight. According to the club, Eta is the first woman to become a head coach of a men's team in the Bundesliga. She has signed a contract to lead the team for the final matchday and the upcoming relegation playoff, with the club holding an option to extend the deal, according to sources at the club.
Eta, a former professional player, has been a coach in Union Berlin's youth academy and has been an assistant coach with the first team in the past. She holds the highest coaching license in Germany, the Fußball-Lehrer-Lizenz, which she obtained in 2022. Her coaching journey began after a knee injury forced her to retire from playing at 26, leading to roles with youth national teams and at Werder Bremen.
"I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this demanding task," Eta said in a statement released by the club. "One of Union's strengths has always been our ability to stick together in difficult moments. I am convinced that together with the team, we will secure the points we need to stay up."
The move has been welcomed by the Union Berlin squad and former players. Ex-player Lucas Tousart, now at VfB Stuttgart, told French sports daily L'Equipe, "When she was an assistant, you could already sense that the club's leadership saw her potential to be number one. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman, as long as you have the skills. And she has them." The club's president, Dirk Zingler, is a known advocate for promoting from within the club's own ranks.
Eta's immediate challenge is to secure the point against SC Freiburg that would mathematically guarantee Union Berlin's survival. Should she succeed, the club is expected to consider her for the permanent head coach position. Her appointment is seen as a significant step for the Bundesliga, potentially paving the way for more female coaches in men's top-flight football across Europe.
