Marie-Louise Eta Takes Charge at Union Berlin

1. FC Union Berlin have made a bold move, appointing Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach—making her the first woman to lead a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues. The 34-year-old steps in following the exit of Steffen Baumgart, whose departure came after a 3-1 loss to FC Heidenheim. Eta now takes the reins for the remainder of the season as Union look to stop the slide. Currently sitting 11th in the Bundesliga, Union Berlin are 11 points clear of relegation—but the pressure is real. Just two wins in 14 league games this year has set off alarm bells despite that cushion. Eta isn’t new to breaking barriers. She previously made history as the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach and even took charge from the sidelines during a 1-0 win over SV Darmstadt 98 in early 2024 while Nenad Bjelica was suspended. Her résumé is solid: a former Germany youth international and a UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Turbine Potsdam. Since mid-2025, she’s been developing talent as head coach of Union’s U-19 side—and she’s already lined up to take over the club’s women’s team next season. Club leadership made it clear: this decision is about performance, not just position. Despite staying above the drop zone, the team’s second-half slump forced action. Eta knows what’s at stake. Her focus? Stability, unity, and grinding out results to keep Union Berlin in the top flight. No gimmicks—just history being made and pressure to deliver.