Summary
Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin's men's football team, becoming the first woman to lead a team in one of Europe's top five leagues. She takes over after Steffen Baumgart was sacked and will coach until the end of the season, marking a historic moment in professional men's football.
Key Facts
- Marie-Louise Eta is 34 years old and has taken charge of five Union Berlin games as interim head coach.
- She is the first female head coach of a men's team in the top five European football leagues.
- Eta was previously the first female assistant coach in the Bundesliga, helping Union Berlin avoid relegation.
- She has experience coaching both youth teams and the women's team at Union Berlin.
- As a player, Eta won the Champions League in 2010 with Turbine Potsdam and played in the women’s Bundesliga.
- Eta earned her professional coaching badge in 2023, being the only woman in her class.
- Her appointment is popular among fans and seen as a safe choice by the club.
- The club has had to defend Eta from sexist abuse on social media following her appointment.
