Eta makes history as first woman to manage men’s team in Europe’s top five leagues

Union Berlin has appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach, making her the first woman to manage a men’s team in Europe’s top five football leagues.

The decision follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after a poor run of results, including a 3-1 defeat to FC Heidenheim. Eta will remain in charge until the end of the season.

Union Berlin sits 11th in the Bundesliga table but has won only two of their last 14 league matches in 2026. With only a few fixtures left, the club is still not fully safe from relegation pressure.

The poor run forced the club’s hierarchy to part ways with Baumgart in a bid to stabilise performances and secure top-flight survival.

Eta steps into historic role

Eta previously made history in 2023 as the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach, and in 2024, she briefly took charge from the touchline while deputising for Nenad Bjelica.

A former German youth international and UEFA Women’s Champions League winner, she now becomes the first woman to lead a men’s side in any of Europe’s top five leagues.

Speaking after her appointment, Eta expressed confidence that the squad can respond positively in the final stretch of the season and gather the points needed to remain in the league.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone in European football and a rare breakthrough in a space historically dominated by male managers.

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