Marie-Louise Eta Makes History as First Female Head Coach in Top European 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 will initially take on an interim role for the remaining five games of the season before transitioning to the women's team as planned. Her historic appointment comes after she made a name for herself as the first woman to serve as an assistant coach in the Bundesliga and the top divisions of Europe's major leagues in 2023. Union sporting director Horst Heldt expressed his delight at Eta's appointment, stating, 'I'm pleased 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 replaces Steffen Baumgart, who was let go along with his assistants following the team's 3-1 loss to Heidenheim. England manager Sarina Wiegman praised Eta's appointment, calling her a 'trailblazer' and stating that it's a significant step forward for women in football. Eta's task will be to secure Union Berlin's place in the Bundesliga, with the team currently sitting in 11th place, seven points clear of the relegation zone with five games remaining.