Marie-Louise Eta Makes History as First Female Head Coach in Top European Leagues

In a groundbreaking move, Union Berlin has named Marie-Louise Eta as their new interim head coach, making her the first female head coach in the top five European men's leagues. Eta, who will take over as the women's team coach next season, has been tasked with securing the men's team's Bundesliga survival with five games remaining. This appointment comes after she made history in 2023 as the first woman to serve as an assistant coach in the Bundesliga and the top divisions of Europe's major leagues. Union sporting director Horst Heldt expressed his delight at Eta's appointment, stating, 'I'm thrilled that Marie Louise Eta has agreed to take on this role on an interim basis before she becomes head coach of the women's first team as planned in the summer.' Eta replaced Steffen Baumgart, who was let go along with his assistants following the team's 3-1 loss to Heidenheim. With Union currently in 11th place, seven points clear of the relegation zone, Eta is confident that the team will secure the necessary points to stay in the Bundesliga. 'Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,' she said. 'I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union's strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations. I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points.' This milestone appointment follows in the footsteps of Sabrina Wittmann, who became the first woman to coach a men's team in Germany's top three divisions when she took charge of Ingolstadt in 2024. Wittmann reflected on her experience, saying, 'I knew I opened the door a little for women... I was honestly afraid of closing the door.' Her success at Ingolstadt, where she remains the head coach after signing a contract extension, has paved the way for other women in football, including Eta.