Former Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 following a tragic accident in which his car was struck by a train at a level crossing near Salzburg, according to local police reports.
Authorities stated that the incident occurred at approximately 08:20 local time (07:20 BST). Emergency services arrived quickly at the scene and attempted to save him. First responders reportedly used a defibrillator after he was freed from the vehicle, which had been dragged by the train. Despite these efforts, Manninger could not be revived. The train driver was confirmed to be unharmed.
Manninger was a well-known figure in European football, remembered most prominently for his time at Arsenal, where he made 64 appearances between 1997 and 2002. During his spell in north London, he was part of squads that won both the Premier League and the FA Cup, contributing to one of the club’s successful eras under manager Arsène Wenger.
Although he often served as backup to England goalkeeper David Seaman, Manninger played an important role during periods of injury and rotation. One of his most memorable contributions came during the 1997–98 season, when he stepped in for key matches and helped Arsenal maintain momentum during their title-winning campaign.
That season included a standout FA Cup sixth-round performance against West Ham United, where he helped Arsenal progress in a penalty shootout. He also delivered a strong display in a famous victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, a result that strengthened Arsenal’s push toward silverware. His performances earned him recognition, including being named Premier League Player of the Month in March 1998.
Even though he did not meet the usual appearance requirement for a league winner’s medal, Arsenal made an exception and awarded him a Premier League title medal in recognition of his contribution to the squad’s success that season.
The club issued a statement expressing deep sadness at his passing, describing the news as shocking and confirming that their thoughts were with his family and loved ones. Supporters and former teammates have also paid tribute, remembering his professionalism and character.
The Austrian Football Association highlighted Manninger’s importance to national football, noting that he earned 33 international caps for Austria national football team and represented his country at UEFA Euro 2008, which was co-hosted in Austria and Switzerland. Officials described him as a model professional whose calmness and reliability made him a respected figure both domestically and internationally.
Born in Salzburg, Manninger began his football journey with local club Red Bull Salzburg before embarking on a long career across Europe. He played for numerous clubs in different leagues, including spells in Italy, Germany, Spain, and England. His journey included appearances for major teams such as Juventus, Udinese, Siena, and Augsburg, reflecting a career defined by adaptability and experience across top European competitions.
At Juventus, he notably served as backup to Gianluigi Buffon and made 42 appearances, stepping in during injuries and rotation periods. His performances in Italy further cemented his reputation as a dependable and experienced goalkeeper capable of performing at the highest level when called upon.
Later in his career, Manninger had a short stint with Liverpool in 2016 at the age of 39, although he did not make a competitive appearance for the club. Even so, his presence in the squad was seen as valuable due to his experience and leadership in training environments.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world following news of his death. Juventus described him as a player of “rare values,” highlighting his humility, dedication, and professionalism both on and off the pitch. The club expressed deep condolences to his family and emphasized the respect he earned throughout his career in Turin.
Similarly, Red Bull Salzburg paid tribute to their former academy graduate, acknowledging his contributions to Austrian football. Liverpool also released a statement expressing sadness at the news and offering sympathy to his loved ones.
Manninger’s passing has been felt across multiple countries due to his wide-ranging career and the respect he earned wherever he played. Known not only for his shot-stopping ability but also for his calm personality and professionalism, he leaves behind a legacy as a dedicated servant to the game.
He will be remembered as a goalkeeper who quietly built a career across Europe’s top leagues, contributing whenever called upon and earning admiration from teammates, coaches, and supporters alike.
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