Marie-Louise Eta Makes History as First Female Head Coach in Top Five European Men's Leagues

In a groundbreaking move, Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed as the head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first female to hold this position 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 survival in the Bundesliga for the remaining five games. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Eta previously 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 Berlin's sporting director, Horst Heldt, expressed his delight at Eta's appointment, stating that she will bring a new perspective to the team. Eta replaces Steffen Baumgart, who was dismissed along with his assistants following the team's 3-1 loss to Heidenheim. With five games remaining, Eta is confident that the team can secure the necessary points to stay in the Bundesliga. Her appointment has been praised by England manager Sarina Wiegman, who believes that Eta's achievement will pave the way for more women in football. Meanwhile, Sabrina Wittmann, the first woman to coach a men's team in Germany's top three divisions, has shared her own experiences and the challenges she faced in her role.