Union Berlin has made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as their interim head coach until the end of the season. Announced on April 12th, 2026
Union Berlin has made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as their interim head coach until the end of the season.
Announced on April 12th, 2026, the 34-year-old becomes the first woman to lead a men’s professional team in the history of the German Bundesliga and the first across Europe’s “big five” top-flight leagues.
This groundbreaking move follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart and his coaching staff after a disappointing run of results, culminating in a 3-1 loss to bottom-placed Heidenheim.
The appointment is a natural progression for Eta, who was already a trailblazer at the club. She previously served as the league’s first female assistant coach and gained significant recognition in early 2024 when she successfully led the team from the touchline during a match while the then-manager was suspended.
Before taking over the senior men’s team, she had been managing Union’s under-19s and was already scheduled to take the helm of the club’s women’s professional team starting in the summer of 2026.
Eta’s immediate mission is to secure Union Berlin’s survival in the Bundesliga over the final five matches of the campaign. Currently sitting 11th in the standings, the team is just seven points clear of the relegation playoff spot after winning only twice in 14 matches since the winter break.
Her first official match as head coach will be a critical home fixture against Wolfsburg on Saturday, as she aims to steer the club toward safety before transitioning to her permanent role with the women’s team
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