訂閱電子報，獲取最新時尚資訊

large_jes291a_001_Spring_Cover1.jpg.jpeg

medium_jes291a_001_Spring_Cover1.jpg.jpeg

small_jes291a_001_Spring_Cover1.jpg.jpeg

thumbnail_jes291a_001_Spring_Cover1.jpg.jpeg

xlarge_jes291a_001_Spring_Cover1.jpg.jpeg

xsmall_jes291a_001_Spring_Cover1.jpg.jpeg

jes291a_001_Spring_Cover1.jpg.jpeg

新一期季刊隆重登場！

People

GLOBAL

Fashion

Beauty & Wellness

LifeStyle

Watch & Jewellery

Marie-Louise Eta was busy preparing her tactical notes for Union Berlin's Under-19 fixture against Mainz when the phone rang with a call from club president Dirk Zingler. The words that followed would dismantle her weekend plans and fundamentally shift the landscape of European football: "You're doing it now. I'm counting on you."

In that brief conversation, Marie-Louise was propelled to the helm of the senior men's team following the departure of Steffen Baumgart. The historical move led Marie-Louise to become the first woman to lead a men's team in any of Europe's "big five" leagues. 

#### **Performance Over PR**
The sight of a 34-year-old woman commanding the touchline in the Bundesliga was a shock to the outside world. Yet for Union Berlin, Marie-Louise was simply the most qualified person. Prior to her appointment, Marie-Louise had already served as an assistant coach and had stepped in for media du ties during previous managerial absences. Known for her sharp tactical acumen and deep understanding of the club's identity and culture, she was the logical choice.

Marie-Louise has been unequivocal in rejecting any suggestion that her appointment was a PR exercise. To her, the idea that she is a PR stunt is a dismissal of the years she has spent honing her craft, first as a Champions League-winning player with Turbine Potsdam and later as a rising star in the coaching world. Her sole focus is clear: to keep Union Berlin in the topflight.

#### **The Weight of Visibility**

While Marie-Louise wants to be judged purely as a football coach, she understands the societal implications of her role. Her first press conference drew roughly 50 journalists, a massive increase from the usual turnout.

She faces a delicate paradox: she craves the normalcy of being judged solely on her performance and tangible results, yet she recognizes that her presence on the bench is a powerful symbol for young girls who have never seen someone like them in such a position. 


Growing up in the 1990s, Marie-Louise's own journey was shaped by a male-dominated environment where she often heard the dismissive line, "Don't let a girl outplay you."  Today, her inbox is filled with messages from young girls who feel inspired by her visibility, a responsibility she embraces despite her desire to move past gendered labels.

#### **Navigating the Digital Noise**

The appointment inevitably triggered a wave of online vitriol and sexist commentary. Marie-Louise's response has been characteristically disciplined, maintaining an approach of tactical dismissal. She maintains a healthy skepticism of social media, choosing to ignore the noise in favor of the work on the training pitch. In her view, the comments say far more about the authors than they do about her abilities.

Her greatest strength lies in her rejection of lazy stereotypes regarding man-management. To Marie-Louise, the notion that women are "sensitive" and men are "vain" is an oversimplification that detracts from good coaching. Her philosophy is centered on the individual and in recognizing that some players need a supportive arm around the shoulder, while others need a firmer push. 

#### **The Road Ahead**

The road for the remainder of the season is steep. With the club hovering near the relegation playoff spot and facing formidable opponents, pressure is high, but so is belief in her ability. While the plan remains for Marie-Louise to transition to the Union women's team next season, her future remains open-ended. Performance will decide.

If she could speak to her younger self, Marie-Louise says she would tell her to put her foot on the ball and take a moment to be proud. In a world obsessed with "faster, higher, further," she acknowledges that her own ambition sometimes makes her skip past the "now" and forget to savor her own achievements.

For now, however, the sentimental reflections will have to wait. There are points to be fought for, a league status to defend, and a "football goddess" status to live up to in the eyes of the Union faithful. Whatever comes next, something is already certain: Marie-Louise Eta is already writing history on the pitch, and the football world is watching.

Caroline Tam

English Editor 

medium_Website_Caroline (1).png

small_Website_Caroline (1).png

thumbnail_Website_Caroline (1).png

xsmall_Website_Caroline (1).png

Website_Caroline (1).png

small_Square_Caroline1.png

thumbnail_Square_Caroline1.png

xsmall_Square_Caroline1.png

Square_Caroline1.png

thumbnail_Portrait_Caroline (1).png

xsmall_Portrait_Caroline (1).png

Portrait_Caroline (1).png

Performance Over PR: Marie-Louise Eta's Historic Rise at Union Berlin

JESSICA Squash Club was honored to welcome Winner of the JESSICA Most Successful Women Award 2025 - Squash legend Datuk Nicol David and elite athlete Mariana De Reyes to our Pickleball Social.

JESSICA Squash Club members were absolutely thrilled to meet the one and only Datuk Nicol David in person! 

More than just a game, our Pickleball Social was filled with energy, laughter, and meaningful moments. It was an inspiring morning where members had the rare chance to connect closely with a true icon — sharing stories, exchanging smiles, and feeling the passion she brings to sport and life.

The atmosphere was electric — a celebration of movement, sisterhood, and women empowering women.

JESSICA 會員

JESSICA Squash Club Pickleball Social with Nicol David & Mariana De Reyes