Marie-Louise Eta made history after becoming the first female coach to win a match in one of Europe’s top five leagues, guiding 1. FC Union Berlin to a 3-1 victory over 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
Eta took charge of Union Berlin on an interim basis last month following the dismissal of Steffen Baumgart, becoming the first woman to coach a men’s team in one of Europe’s major leagues.
The landmark victory came in her fourth match in charge after two defeats and one draw in her opening three games, giving Union Berlin a crucial three points ahead of the final round of the season.
Speaking after the match, Eta preferred to praise her players and staff rather than focus on her personal achievement.
“I’m happy for the whole team, the coaching staff, and the players,” Eta said. “At the end of the day, it’s always about winning football matches, and it feels good when you finally do it.”
She added: “The way we won was important too. The players worked incredibly hard throughout the game, so it’s great to come away with the three points and a strong performance.”
Eta is expected to lead Union Berlin in their final Bundesliga match of the season against FC Augsburg next weekend before moving to coach the club’s women’s team starting next season.
The German coach insisted the move is not a step backwards, highlighting the rapid growth of women’s football in recent years and reaffirming her confidence in the decision.
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