Union Berlin Make History With Eta Appointment
Sports Updated: 12 April 2026 20:03 EAT
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Union Berlin have made history by appointing Marie-Louise Eta as head coach of their men’s team on an interim basis until the end of the season in June.
The 34-year-old becomes the first female head coach in the history of the Bundesliga, marking a groundbreaking moment not only in German football but across Europe’s elite leagues.
Eta’s appointment follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, who was relieved of his duties after a series of poor results left Union Berlin struggling near the relegation zone.
Club officials confirmed that Eta will lead the team for the remainder of the campaign as they battle to retain their top-flight status in what has become a tightly contested relegation fight.
Her elevation to the top job comes after serving within Union Berlin’s coaching structure, including a role with the club’s youth teams and previous involvement with the senior setup.
Eta had already broken new ground in 2023 when she became the first female assistant coach in Bundesliga history, underlining her steady rise within the coaching ranks.
Her appointment is also significant on a broader scale, as she becomes the first woman to take charge of a men’s team in any of Europe’s top five leagues, a milestone widely hailed as a step forward for gender representation in football.
Despite the historic achievement, the immediate focus remains on results, with Union Berlin needing crucial points to climb away from the relegation zone in the final stretch of the season.
The club expressed confidence in Eta’s leadership, emphasizing her familiarity with the squad and tactical understanding as key factors in guiding the team through a challenging period.
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FELIX MAKONA
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