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

Marie-Louise Eta has broken new ground by becoming the first woman to take the reins as head coach in the top five European men's leagues, following her appointment as Union Berlin's interim boss. Eta is set to lead the women's team next season but has been tasked with securing the men's team's Bundesliga survival over the next five games. Having previously made history as the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga and Europe's top divisions in 2023, Eta's new role marks a significant milestone. Union sporting director Horst Heldt expressed his delight at Eta's interim appointment, stating that she will take over as head coach of the women's first team as planned in the summer. Eta replaces Steffen Baumgart, who was dismissed along with his assistants after the team's recent loss. With five games remaining, Union Berlin is seven points clear of the relegation zone, and Eta is confident that the team will secure the necessary points to ensure their Bundesliga status. England manager Sarina Wiegman praised Eta's appointment, calling her a trailblazer and highlighting the significance of women's presence in football. Meanwhile, Sabrina Wittmann, the first woman to coach a men's team in Germany's top three divisions, reflected on her own experiences and the importance of women in football, noting that she had opened the door for others to follow.