Alex Manninger dead at 48: Tributes made after passing of ex-Arsenal, Liverpool goalkeeper

Alex Manninger dead at 48: Tributes made after passing of ex-Arsenal, Liverpool goalkeeper originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger died at the age of 48 on Thursday.

The ex-Austria international was killed after his car was struck by a train at a level crossing near Salzburg, the BBC said, citing a police report.

Manninger, who also had spells with Juventus and Fiorentina in Italy during a 22-year playing career, is fondly remembered by Arsenal fans for his time as back-up to established No. 1 David Seaman. He made 64 appearances for the club in all competitions between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup.

Peter Schottel, sporting director of Austria's football association, said in a statement: "Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch.

"His international career set standards and inspired and influenced many young goalkeepers. His professionalism, composure, and reliability made him an important part of his club sides and the national team.

"His achievements deserve the highest respect and will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time."

Alex Manninger dead at 48

Manninger died on April 16, 2026. Red Bull Salzburg, where Manninger developed as a youth player, was the first club to make the announcement.

He was killed when the car he was driving was struck by a train, according to police.

Alex Manninger car crash details

Sky News cited a report from city enforcement saying they had been called to a traffic accident "involving a local train and a car at a level crossing in Nussdorf am Haunsberg", which is approximately 13.1 miles north of Salzburg.

The outlet quoted police as saying that the car "was struck and dragged by a train of the Salzburg Local Railway while crossing the tracks. The driver was alone in the vehicle. The train driver was unharmed". The incident happened at around 8:20 a.m. local time (2:20 a.m. ET).

Austrian media outlet Kronen Zeitung showed a photograph purporting to be of the car Manninger was driving sitting badly damaged on train tracks next to a stationary locomotive.

Kronen Zeitung's story said Manninger received emergency medical treatment at the scene, including the use of a defibrillator, but he could not be resuscitated. It said nobody else was hurt in the incident.

Gerhard Kronreif from the public prosecutor's office was quoted as saying: "Due to the type of vehicle, it is possible to precisely analyze the electronic data — and thus the driver's behavior" immediately prior to the crash. Data from the train will also be used, the report said.

Tributes to Alex Manninger

Salzburg's announcement was followed by a number of social media posts from football clubs, including some for whom Manninger did not play.

Juventus, where Manninger played between 2008 and 2012, said: "Today is a very sad day.

"We have lost not only a great athlete, but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism.

"Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch.

"Juventus expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands close to his family in this moment of grief."

Juve's rivals Inter said: "FC Internazionale Milano joins the football world in mourning the tragic passing of Alexander Manninger.

"The club extends its deepest condolences to the family of the former Austrian goalkeeper during this difficult time."

Liverpool, where Manninger spent his final season before retiring in 2017, said: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48.

"The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex's family and friends at this difficult time."

Arsenal posted: "Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.

"All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.

"Rest in peace, Alex."

Alex Manninger career

Manninger played more than 300 games in Austria, England, Spain, Italy and Germany.

He signed for Arsenal in 1997 to serve as understudy to Seaman, the experienced former England No. 1. However, because of an injury to Seaman, Manninger was parachuted into the first team. He recorded a run of six clean sheets — a joint club record — and was named Premier League Player of the Month in March 1998. Such was his contribution at that key stage of the season that he was granted special dispensation to receive a Premier League winners' medal despite not making the requisite minimum 10 appearances.

Manninger also helped the Gunners win the FA Cup that year, saving a penalty in a shootout win over West Ham in the quarterfinals.

He left Arsenal in 2002 after an initial loan to Fiorentina and played for Espanyol, Torino, Bologna, Siena and Udinese. He then signed for Juventus, spending four years with the Bianconeri and winning the Serie A title in 2012.

Manninger then enjoyed a positive four-year spell with Augsburg in the Bundesliga before finishing his career at Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool.

He also played 33 times for the senior Austria national team and was part of the squad for Euro 2008, co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland.