Marie-Louise Eta makes history as Union Berlin interim coach

Marie-Louise Eta made history as the first woman to lead a men’s top-flight team in one of Europe’s big five leagues when she served as interim head coach for Union Berlin. Stepping in following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, Eta managed the team for five games, securing two wins, one draw, and two losses to help the club finish 11th in the Bundesliga.

Eta, who previously became the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga, expressed that her primary focus was on team success and professional performance rather than her status as a trailblazer. She stated, “I wanted to impress through my work, my performance and my approach as a manager, not because I’m a woman or because I’m supposed to represent or embody something special.”

Despite facing intense media scrutiny and derogatory social media abuse, which the club condemned, her appointment was viewed by figures such as Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany as a move that could open doors for future female coaches. Eta is currently in charge of the Union Berlin women’s side.