by Lovely Onohwakpor
History in Berlin as Eta Becomes First Woman to Lead Men’s Team in Top European League
A major milestone has been reached in European football after Marie-Louise Eta was appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to manage a men’s side in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
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The 34-year-old takes charge until the end of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, whose team suffered a 3–1 defeat to FC Heidenheim on Saturday.
Eta’s appointment marks another groundbreaking moment in her career. In November 2023, she made history as the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga, also with Union Berlin.
Her elevation to interim head coach is being widely seen as a significant step forward for gender representation in elite men’s football, a space traditionally dominated by male managers.
Despite her current role, Union Berlin has confirmed that Eta is expected to transition into the position of women’s head coach at the club at the end of the season.
The development has drawn attention across the football world, with many viewing it as a landmark moment that could open doors for more women in top-level coaching roles.
