This marks the first time a female coach will lead a men's team in one of Europe's five top national leagues.

The decision follows Union Berlin's dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart, who failed to improve the team's performance in the second half of the season. A 1-3 loss to bottom-ranked Heidenheim served as the final catalyst, prompting the club's management to act. Despite being 11th out of 18 teams, Union Berlin has won only two of 14 Bundesliga matches since early 2026, leaving them just 7 points above the relegation zone.

Marie-Louise Eta, interim assistant for the Union Berlin men's team, became the first senior female coach to directly participate in leading a men's Champions League match, during a game against SC Braga at the Municipal de Braga, Portugal on 29/11/2023. Photo: Reuters

Union Berlin appointed Eta due to her familiarity with the club's system. The 34-year-old coach joined the men's coaching staff in July 2023 and became the first female assistant in Bundesliga history later that year. In early 2024, she briefly served as interim coach for one match when the then-head coach was suspended, making her the first woman to lead a team from the sidelines in the Bundesliga.

Men's football director Horst Heldt acknowledged that the change in leadership stemmed from the team's concerning situation. "We have had a very disappointing second half of the season," Heldt said. "Our position on the table does not fully reflect the current risk. The team's recent performances do not show an ability to turn the situation around, so we need a fresh start."

Eta will lead the men's team for the remainder of the season before transitioning to head coach of the club's women's team from summer 2026, a pre-planned move. "The points gap in the lower half of the table shows we are not yet safe," Eta said. "I am happy to be entrusted with this task. Union Berlin's strength has always been its unity in difficult circumstances, and I believe the team will secure crucial points."

Marie-Louise Eta during her playing career. Photo: Reuters

Before transitioning to coaching, Eta had a notable playing career. She was a German youth international and won the Women's Champions League title in 2010 with Turbine Potsdam. After retiring in 2018, Eta quickly moved into coaching and led Union Berlin's U19 team from July 2025.

Eta's appointment marks a new milestone for gender equality in elite football. For many years, the role of head coach in top men's leagues was almost exclusively held by men. Previous advancements mainly occurred at the assistant level or in lower divisions. However, Union Berlin's decision signals a shift in club thinking. Nevertheless, Eta will face significant pressure to deliver results. If she cannot help the team avoid relegation, this historic narrative could quickly be overshadowed by the harsh realities of professional football.

Eta's debut is scheduled for 18/4, when Union Berlin hosts Wolfsburg, an opponent also struggling in the relegation battle.

Hoang An (based on BBC Sport, Sun)