SOCCER: Union Berlin appoint Eta as Bundesliga's first female head coach

Union Berlin have named Marie-Louise Eta as interim head coach, making her the first woman to take charge of a Bundesliga side. The appointment follows Steffen Baumgart’s dismissal as the club battles to secure its top-flight status.

Reuters

April 12, 2026

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Champions League - Group C - S.C. Braga v 1. FC Union Berlin - Estadio Municipal de Braga, Braga, Portugal - November 29, 2023 1. FC Union Berlin interim joint assistant manager Marie-Louise Eta becomes the first senior female coach to be actively involved in a men's Champions League match

Miguel Vidal/Reuters

Union Berlin have appointed Marie-Louise Eta as interim coach until the end of the season following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, the Bundesliga club said late on Saturday.

The 34-year-old will become the first female head coach in the German top flight.

The capital club parted ways with Baumgart after a 3-1 defeat at FC Heidenheim on Saturday which left Union 11th in the standings.

"Our place in the Bundesliga is not yet secure. I am delighted that the club has entrusted me with this challenging task," Eta said in a statement.

"One of Union's strengths has always been, and remains, the ability to pull together in such situations. And, of course, I am convinced that we will secure the crucial points with the team."

Eta has been coaching Union's Under-19 team and will take charge of the club's women's team from next season. She became the first female assistant coach in the German top flight with Union in 2023.

Union host relegation-threatened Wolfsburg on Saturday.

-Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Ed Osmond/Reuters