SALZBURG, Austria – The football world is in mourning following the tragic death of former Arsenal and Austrian international goalkeeper Alex Manninger. The 48-year-old was killed on Thursday when his vehicle was struck by a passenger train at an unrestricted crossing near Salzburg.
The Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) and Manninger’s first professional club, Red Bull Salzburg, confirmed the devastating news in statements released this afternoon. Local reports from Kronen Zeitung indicate that the accident occurred at a rural crossing, where the impact of the collision left the former Premier League star with fatal injuries.
A Double-Winning Legacy
Manninger is perhaps best remembered by English football fans for his vital role in Arsenal’s historic 1997/98 Premier League and FA Cup Double. After joining the Gunners from Grazer AK in 1997, he was thrust into the spotlight following an injury to legendary shot-stopper David Seaman.
The then 20-year-old Manninger produced a series of world-class performances, keeping six consecutive clean sheets during a critical stretch of the season. His heroics in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford—a match that swung the title race in Arsenal’s favor—cemented his status as a cult hero in North London. He remains the only Austrian to have won a Premier League winner’s medal.
Tributes from the Football Community
In a moving tribute, ÖFB Sporting Director Peter Schöttel described Manninger as an “outstanding ambassador” for Austrian football.
”With his international career, he set standards and shaped many young goalkeepers,” Schöttel said. “His professionalism, calmness, and reliability made him an essential part of his teams and the national team.”
Red Bull Salzburg added in a social media post: “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.”
An Illustrious International Career
Manninger’s career was defined by longevity and stints at some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs. Beyond his 64 appearances for Arsenal, he represented Italian giants Juventus, Fiorentina, and Udinese, as well as German side FC Augsburg. He earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team and was a member of their Euro 2008 squad.
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He officially retired from professional football in 2017 after a final season at Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp, who often praised Manninger’s influence and leadership within the dressing room.
As news of his passing spread, former teammates and fans across Europe have begun sharing tributes to a man described as one of the most dedicated professionals of his generation. Plans for a commemorative tribute at upcoming international fixtures are expected to be announced by the Austrian FA later this week.
