Union Berlin’s interim assistant manager, Marie-Louise Eta, has shattered barriers by becoming the first woman to coach in a men’s Champions League match.
This historic achievement comes as Eta also holds the title of the first female assistant in the Bundesliga’s 60-year history.
Eta assumed the role of assistant to interim coach Marco Grote at Union Berlin following the dismissal of Urs Fischer during the international break. The 32-year-old coach marked her presence on the bench for Union Berlin’s away match against Braga in the Champions League.
Union Berlin’s interim assistant manager Marie-Louise Eta became the first woman to coach in a men’s Champions League match 👏 pic.twitter.com/KsVJuez06j
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 29, 2023
Despite the challenges faced, including losing a player to a red card in the first half-hour and falling behind just before halftime, Union Berlin demonstrated resilience, securing a well-deserved 1-1 draw on Wednesday night. However, their chances of advancing to the next stage remain slim as they currently occupy the bottom position in Group C with two points after five matches. Their final group game will be against Real Madrid.
⚽ Last night, Marie-Louise Eta became the first woman to be part of a coaching team at a @championsleague match.
— UEFA (@UEFA) November 30, 2023
Learn more about her story and how female coaches are making an impact in the men's game: ⬇️
Marie-Louise Eta’s groundbreaking journey in coaching began when she became the first woman to be part of the coaching staff of a German team at the highest men’s level during Union Berlin’s 1-1 draw against Augsburg in the Bundesliga.
Expressing her perspective on the attention received, Eta stated, ‘I’ve always tried not to focus on the fact that I’m a woman,’ emphasizing that her skills and capabilities secured her position at the top level of the game.
Eta, who previously won the Champions League with Turbine Potsdam’s women’s team in 2010, continues to break new ground and challenge norms in the world of football coaching.”