Eta Sets Record as First Female Coach in Bundesliga

Marie-Louise Eta has made history after becoming the first woman to coach a men’s team in the Bundesliga following her appointment as interim head coach of Union Berlin.

The 34-year-old was handed the role after the club parted ways with head coach Steffen Baumgart, following a poor run of results that included a 3-1 defeat to bottom-placed Heidenheim.

Eta’s appointment marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first female head coach not only in Bundesliga history but also across Europe’s top five leagues.

Union Berlin currently sit mid-table but remain under pressure after managing just two wins in 14 matches in 2026, prompting the club to seek a fresh approach in the final stretch of the season.

Explaining the decision, the club’s director of men’s football, Horst Heldt, said:
“We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season.”

Eta, who previously coached the club’s U-19 side, is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2023, she became the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach and also stepped in to lead the team temporarily during a suspension in 2024.

Her appointment is widely seen as a significant step forward for gender inclusion in football, signaling a shift in opportunities for women within the men’s game at the highest level.