# Marie-Louise Eta: First Woman in Bundesliga

> Marie-Louise Eta became Union Berlin’s first female head coach in Bundesliga history, focusing on team success over gender identity.
- Title: Marie-Louise Eta: First Woman in Bundesliga · the Guardian
- Summary: Marie-Louise Eta became Union Berlin’s first female head coach in Bundesliga history, focusing on team success over gender identity. Marie-Louise Eta, 35…
- Keywords: marie-louise eta, union berlin, bundesliga, men's football, interim coach, first woman coach, sports, Marie-Louise, Eta, First, Woman, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/06/union-berlin-marie-louise-eta-coach-bundesliga-history-maker
- Author: Elizabeth Payne
- Published: 2026-10-06T10:38:52+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: marie-louise eta, union berlin, bundesliga, men's football, interim coach, first woman coach, sports
## Marie-Louise Eta’s interim role
Marie-Louise Eta became Union Berlin’s first female head coach in one of Europe’s top five leagues after Steffen Baumgart’s dismissal in April.
## Results in five games
She led Union Berlin to two wins, a draw, and two losses in five games, finishing 11th in the Bundesliga.
## Historic background
Eta previously became the first woman to serve as an assistant coach in the men’s Bundesliga three years ago and led Union men’s team in one game.
## Gender-focused challenges
She faced sexist abuse on social media but emphasized her focus on performance over gender identity, saying she wanted to be judged like male colleagues.

> I wanted to impress through my work, not because I am a woman
## Current team focus
Eta now coaches Union Berlin’s women’s team, aiming to build a team that plays with courage, energy, and intensity while prioritizing player development.
## Team performance
Union Berlin lost their first two games but won against RB Leipzig, Stuttgart, and Magdeburg in cup competitions after a difficult start.
## Key takeaway

Marie-Louise Eta, 35, led Union Berlin’s men’s team as interim coach, winning two matches and finishing 11th in the Bundesliga while emphasizing performance over gender.