Marie-Louise Eta has become the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five leagues after being appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin until the end of the season.

The Berlin-based club, which has established itself in the Bundesliga in recent years, parted ways with Steffen Baumgart following a poor run of results, including a 3-1 loss to FC Heidenheim.

Union sit 11th in the table but have won just twice in 14 league matches in 2026, leaving their top-flight status not yet fully secure with only a handful of games remaining.

Eta previously made history as the Bundesliga’s first female assistant coach in 2023 and also led the team from the touchline in 2024 while deputising for Nenad Bjelica.

A former Germany youth international and Women’s Champions League winner, she said she is confident the team can pull together and secure the points needed to remain in the league, as her appointment marks another milestone for women in football.

Oluwagbemisola Babalola

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