Marie-Louise Eta makes history as Bundesliga’s first female coach in men’s football
History was made when Union Berlin named Marie-Louise Eta as interim manager.
After firing head coach Stefan Baumgart, German club Union Berlin designated Marie-Louise Eta as interim manager until the end of the season. This is a first in Europe’s top leagues, making her the first-ever female head coach to take charge of a men’s Bundesliga side.
The decision came after Union’s 3-1 loss to Heidenheim on Saturday, which hastened Baumgart’s departure and dropped them to 11th place with 32 points as they battle to stay out of the relegation zone.
Eta, who was formerly in charge of the club’s Under-19 team, is no stranger to the spotlight. In 2024, she became the first woman to guide a team in an official Bundesliga match, making history. While head coach Nenad Bjelica was on a touchline ban, she briefly assumed the role of 1. FC Union men’s squad as an assistant coach for three games.
This season, Eta, 34, who won the Women’s Champions League with Turbine Potsdam in 2010, has been coaching Union Berlin’s under-19 team.
Moreover, she is also slated to take over the women’s team from the summer.
Marie-Louise Eta’s first comments following her appointment
Her immediate challenge is to turn around a faltering Union Berlin team, who are seven points ahead of the relegation play-off spot after just two victories in their last 14 league games.
“Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure,” Eta said as per the club’s website.
“I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. One of Union’s strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations. And, of course, I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points with the team.”
Has Marie-Louise Eta previously managed any clubs?
Yes, she has overseen.
Where do Union Berlin stand in the league?
They are 11th in the league.
Which other club has she managed?
She has managed FFC Turbine Potsdam and won the Champions League with them in 2010.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.