Former goalkeeper for Arsenal and the Austrian national team, Alex Manninger, tragically lost his life on Thursday when his car was reportedly struck by a train in Salzburg.
The Bundesliga team confirmed Manninger’s passing in a post on their official X account, stating: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
Although Salzburg police did not officially identify Manninger, Austrian broadcaster ORF reported that he sustained fatal injuries at a level crossing on Thursday morning.
Authorities stated that a car was hit and dragged by a train at the crossing. The driver was alone in the vehicle, and the train driver escaped unharmed.
The Associated Press has reached out to police for further confirmation.
“At approximately 8:20 a.m. on April 16, police responded to a traffic accident involving a local train and a car at a level crossing in Nußdorf am Haunsberg,” said a police spokesperson. “Upon arrival, emergency services found the car’s driver, a 48-year-old man from Salzburg, had been freed from the vehicle by first responders and was receiving CPR. Despite resuscitation efforts, including the use of a defibrillator, the man unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.”
During his international career, Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria. He joined Arsenal in June 1997 for £500,000 from Grazer AK and made 64 appearances, winning the Premier League during his five years at the club before moving to Espanyol, as he faced competition for a starting spot from David Seaman and Richard Wright.
Arsenal expressed their sorrow on X, stating: “Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.”
Manninger also had spells with Torino, Bologna, Siena, and Juventus—where he won a Serie A title—before playing for Augsburg in Germany and briefly Liverpool in the English Premier League.
The Austrian Football Association paid tribute to him, describing him as an “outstanding” representative of the sport. Sporting director Peter Schottel said on the association’s official site: “Alexander Manninger was an exceptional ambassador for Austrian football on and off the pitch. His international career has set high standards and inspired many young goalkeepers. His professionalism, calm demeanor, and reliability made him a vital part of his teams and the national squad. His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will not be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time.”
Though he did not make a competitive appearance for Liverpool after signing on a short-term deal in July 2016, a message from the club read: “Liverpool FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48. Everyone at LFC extends their thoughts and condolences to Alex’s family and friends during this challenging time.”
Juventus celebrated his legacy, stating on X: “Today is a very sad day. We have lost not only a remarkable athlete but also a man with rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism. Alex Manninger’s example, both on and off the pitch, will be remembered. Juventus expresses its deepest condolences and stands by his family during this period of mourning.”
Manninger’s journey began as a carpenter before he embraced a football career, and he later utilized those skills in his own renovation business after retirement. He reflected on his experiences working with notable managers like Wenger, Conte, and Klopp, and played alongside legends like Gianluigi Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero. However, he admitted one regret in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this month, saying, “I regret leaving Arsenal too soon. I wanted to play more, but I was excited about my time there as a young player under Wenger, who brought an international vision to the club. I felt composed in goal with a legend like Tony Adams in front of me. It was a formative experience.”
Information from PA and the Associated Press contributed to this report.