Marie louise eta union berlin: Marie-Louise Eta Appointed as Manager of Union Berlin

By Rohan Mehta / 13.04.2026

What does the appointment of Marie-Louise Eta as the manager of Union Berlin signify for women’s representation in football? It marks a historic moment, as Eta becomes the first female head coach in Bundesliga history and the first woman to manage a men’s team in the top five European leagues.

Eta’s appointment comes after the sacking of Steffen Baumgart, who was dismissed following a disappointing run that saw Union Berlin win only two games since Christmas 2025. The club currently sits in 11th place in the Bundesliga, just seven points clear of the relegation playoff spot.

At 34 years old, Eta has already made significant strides in her coaching career. She previously served as Union Berlin’s under-19s manager since July 2025 and was the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga. Her experience also includes winning the Champions League in 2010 with Turbine Potsdam.

In her first statements as head coach, Eta expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task.” She acknowledged the precarious situation the team is in, emphasizing the need for points to secure their place in the league.

Horst Heldt, the club’s sporting director, supported Eta’s appointment, saying, “I’m delighted 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.” This transition highlights the club’s commitment to promoting women in football.

Union Berlin’s recent performance has raised concerns, especially after a 3-1 loss to FC Heidenheim before Baumgart’s dismissal. With five matches remaining in the season, the pressure is on Eta to turn the team’s fortunes around.

While women have managed men’s football teams in lower divisions, Eta’s role in the Bundesliga represents a significant breakthrough. This appointment is not just a milestone for Union Berlin but also for women’s football as a whole.

As Eta prepares to take the reins, the football community will be watching closely to see how she navigates the challenges ahead. Her leadership could pave the way for more women to enter coaching roles in men’s football.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term strategy for Union Berlin’s women’s team, which Eta is set to lead starting this summer.