Marie-Louise Eta becomes first woman to coach men's team in a top five European football league
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, making her the first woman to manage a men鈥檚 team in one of Europe鈥檚 top five football leagues. Her appointment follows the dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart after Union Berlin鈥檚 3-1 defeat to FC Heidenheim. Union Berlin is currently 11th in the Bundesliga, 11 points above the relegation zone with five matches remaining, but has won only twice in their last 14 league matches in 2026. Club director of men鈥檚 football Horst Heldt stated the decision was due to recent performances and the need for a new approach. Eta previously served as Union Berlin鈥檚 first female assistant coach in November 2023 and led the team from the touchline in January 2024 during a Bundesliga match. A former German youth international and UEFA Women鈥檚 Champions League winner, Eta has also been Union Berlin鈥檚 U19 coach since July 2025 and is set to become the club鈥檚 women鈥檚 head coach in the summer. Eta acknowledged the challenge, stating, "Given the points gap in the lower half of the table, our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure. I am delighted the club has entrusted me with this challenging task. I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points." Union spokesperson Jacob Sweetman noted overwhelmingly positive support from fans. This appointment adds to a history of women managing men鈥檚 football teams in Europe, including Carolina Morace at Viterbese in 1999, Corinne Diacre at Clermont Foot from 2014 to 2017, and
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