Former German women’s national team player Marie-Louise Eta has been appointed interim coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman in Bundesliga history to lead a team.
Former German women’s national team player Marie-Louise Eta has faced gender discrimination attacks after being appointed interim coach of Bundesliga club Union Berlin, prompting a statement from the club condemning the move.
Union Berlin dismissed their previous head coach, Steffen Baumgart, and Marie-Louise was appointed interim coach for the remainder of the season last Saturday (April 11), becoming the first woman in Bundesliga history to lead a team.
She will coach the men’s first team until the end of the season, after which she will take over the club’s women’s team.
However, following her appointment announcement, a series of derogatory and sexist comments appeared on social media.
Union Berlin’s sporting director, Heldt, issued a statement on Monday (13th), saying, “I have noticed these comments, but I refuse to read or expose myself to such nonsense because, for me, it’s about leadership. We have 100% confidence in ‘Louise’ (Louise Eita’s nickname) and have unwavering faith in her.”
Heldt said it was disappointing that the club still had to respond to such criticism in 2026, calling the comments “crazy” and “embarrassing.”
Union Berlin stated that they will continue to protect their staff from harassment, and Heldt added that the club will do everything possible to ensure that such disputes do not continue.
Union Berlin currently sits 11th in the Bundesliga standings and will host relegation-threatened Wolfsburg on Saturday (18th).
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