Mari Louis Eta Becomes First Woman to Coach Men's Team

Mari Louis Eta has been appointed as the interim head coach of Union Berlin, making history as the first woman to manage a men's team in one of Europe's top five football leagues. Her appointment follows the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart after Union Berlin's 3-1 defeat to FC Heidenheim.

Currently, the club sits 11th in the Bundesliga, 11 points clear of the relegation zone, but has struggled with form, winning only twice in their last 14 league matches. The decision to appoint Eta was made by club director of men’s football, Horst Heldt, who cited the need for a fresh approach due to disappointing performances in the second half of the season.

Eta, who became Union Berlin's first female assistant coach in November 2023, previously led the team during a Bundesliga match while head coach Nenad Bjelica was suspended. The club's spokesperson, Jacob Sweetman, noted overwhelming positive support for Eta's appointment, marking a significant milestone in the history of women managing men's football teams in Europe.