The Guardian · October 6, 2026

Union Berlin’s Marie-Louise Eta: ‘I wanted to impress through my work, not because I am a woman’

Marie-Louise Eta made history in April when she became the first woman to manage a men's top-flight team in one of Europe's big five leagues, taking over as interim head coach at Union Berlin following Steffen Baumgart's dismissal. The 35-year-old reflects on her breakthrough year, emphasizing her desire to be recognized for her coaching abilities rather than her gender.