Union Berlin has appointed Marie‑Louise Eta as interim head coach until June, becoming the first woman to lead a men’s Bundesliga team after sacking Steffen Baumgart following defeat to Heidenheim.
On his official X page, Fabrizio Romano posted, “ Historical decision by Union Berlin as German club appoint Marie‑Louise Eta as their head coach until June. Eta becomes the first female head coach in the history of men’s Bundesliga.”
Eta, 34, had already served as an assistant in Union’s coaching staff. Her promotion comes at a decisive stage of the season, with the club still battling to secure stability in Germany’s top flight.
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She made history in 2023 as the first woman to be assistant coach in the Bundesliga and across the top divisions of Europe’s big five leagues – Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Bundesliga.
The decision marks a milestone for German football.
Until now, no woman had managed a men’s Bundesliga side, making Eta’s appointment a breakthrough moment in the league’s history.
Meanwhile, her role reflects growing conversations around inclusion and representation in football leadership.
As a result, Union Berlin’s choice signals both necessity and progress, with Eta’s leadership set to be judged by results on the pitch and the wider impact of her appointment.
