Historic appointment as Eta becomes first female coach in top five leagues

Marie‑Louise Eta has entered the history books after Union Berlin appointed her first‑team coach, making her the first woman to manage in any of Europe’s top five leagues. The Bundesliga side moved swiftly following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after a damaging loss to Heidenheim, promoting Eta from her role with the Under‑19s to guide the senior squad through the remainder of the campaign. Her immediate mandate is clear: secure Union’s Bundesliga status before transitioning into a position within the club’s women’s professional structure.

Eta said she was honoured by the trust placed in her, stressing that unity has always defined Union in difficult periods. The team sit eleventh, six points above the relegation play‑off, but face a demanding run‑in featuring Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig, Koln, Mainz and Augsburg. Her appointment represents a landmark moment for European football, breaking a long‑standing barrier in the men’s elite game as Union seek stability in the final weeks.