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Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 following a tragic accident in Austria in which his car was struck by a train.
His former club Red Bull Salzburg confirmed his death on Thursday, April 16, sharing a statement mourning the loss of their former player. "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," the club wrote on X.
According to Salzburg Police, emergency services were called to a level crossing in Salzburg at approximately 8:20 a.m. after a collision involving a train and a car. Authorities said that when responders arrived, the driver, identified as a 48-year-old man from Salzburg, had already been removed from the vehicle and was receiving CPR from first responders.
Despite resuscitation efforts, including the use of a defibrillator, police confirmed that he later died from his injuries.
Investigators said initial findings suggest the vehicle was hit and dragged by a Salzburg Local Railway train while crossing the tracks. The driver was alone in the car at the time of the accident. Officials also confirmed that the train operator was not injured.
Manninger was best known internationally for his time at Arsenal, where he made 64 appearances between 1997 and 2002. During his spell at the club, he was part of the squad that won the Premier League and FA Cup double in the 1997 to 1998 season, playing a supporting role in one of the most successful campaigns in the club's history.
Arsenal paid tribute to their former goalkeeper, writing on X that they were "shocked and deeply saddened" by the news and extended condolences to his family and loved ones.
Over the course of his career, Manninger played for several clubs across Europe, including Juventus, Siena, and Augsburg. He also had a brief stint at Liverpool, although he did not make a competitive appearance for the club. In total, he represented 14
different teams during his professional career and also played for the Austrian national team.
The Austrian Football Association described him as a respected figure in the sport. Sporting director Peter Schöttel said Manninger was an "outstanding ambassador for Austrian football" whose professionalism and calm presence influenced many young goalkeepers.
Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the circumstances of the accident are still ongoing.
