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

In a groundbreaking move, Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed as the head coach of Union Berlin's men's team, becoming the first female to hold this position in the top five European leagues. Eta, who will take over as the women's team coach next season, has agreed to an interim role to secure the men's team's survival in the Bundesliga. With five games remaining, she aims to make a significant impact. Eta previously made history in 2023 as the first woman to be 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 take on the role before becoming the head coach of the women's team as planned. Eta replaces Steffen Baumgart, who was fired after the team's 3-1 loss to Heidenheim. England manager Sarina Wiegman congratulated Eta on her appointment, calling her a trailblazer and a symbol of football's progress. Sabrina Wittmann, the first woman to coach a men's team in Germany's top three divisions, also shared her thoughts on Eta's appointment, reflecting on her own experiences as a female coach in a male-dominated sport.