The Austrian FA have confirmed the tragic news about the 48-year-old
15:40, 16 Apr 2026
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who has died in a traffic accident at the age of 48, the Austrian Football Association has announced.
View 2 Images
The Austrian FA have confirmed that former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died.(Image: John Marsh/EMPICS Sport/PA Wire)
Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically passed away at the age of 48, the Austrian FA have confirmed.
Local reports state the goalkeeper died in a car accident on Thursday, when his vehicle was struck by a train in Salzburg. The Austrian FA (OFB) took to social media to pay tribute, writing: "The news of Alex Manninger's death is deeply shocking. With him, football loses a special person.
"In this difficult time, our sincere condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. Much strength for the time ahead."
Between 1997 and 2002, Manninger made 39 appearances for Arsenal, spending his final year as third-choice keeper before being loaned out to Italian side Fiorentina. Primarily serving as understudy to David Seaman, Manninger played his part in helping the Gunners clinch both the Premier League title and FA Cup during his time in North London.
Over a remarkable 22-year career spanning 15 clubs, Liverpool proved to be his final destination. Jurgen Klopp brought him to Anfield ahead of the 2016-17 season, though he never made an appearance for the first team.
The club released a statement saying: "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."
Throughout his distinguished career, Manninger also represented Juventus and earned 33 caps for Austria. Tributes have been pouring in from across Europe. Red Bull Salzburg, the club where Manninger enjoyed two separate stints between the posts, said: "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."
Arsene Wenger Arsenal FC Manager with his closed season signings Gilles Grimandi Mathew Upson Emmanuel Petit Alberto Mendez and Luis Boa Morte Pereira
View 2 Images
Arsene Wenger Arsenal FC Manager with his closed season signings Gilles Grimandi Mathew Upson Emmanuel Petit Alberto Mendez and Luis Boa Morte Pereira Alex Manninger Marc Overmars CREDIT Daily Mirror(Image: Daily Mirror)
Juventus posted: "Today is a terribly sad day. He has left us not only as a great athlete, but as a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an extraordinary professional seriousness. Juventus expresses its condolences for the passing of Alex Manninger and stands with the family in this moment of grief."
Fiorentina also paid their respects, stating: "Fiorentina mourns the sudden passing of Alex Manninger, the Viola goalkeeper in the 2001-2002 season, who had a long career in Italy and as the Austrian national team's goalkeeper. The entire club joins his family in this moment of profound grief."
Italian giants Napoli added: "President Aurelio De Laurentiis and all of SSC Napoli join in the mourning for the passing of Alexander Manninger, the goalkeeper who starred in a prestigious career in Italian and European football."
Earlier this month, Manninger had opened up about his regrets over departing Arsenal 'too soon', having been eager for more regular first-team football. Speaking to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, he confessed: "It makes me emotional just thinking about it.
Article continues below
"I was 20, a kid. [Arsene] Wenger wanted to bring an international dimension to the club and focus on young players. I was one of them. Arsene even introduced a training camp, which was unusual for the Premier League at the time.
"I have to say that, despite my age, I felt comfortable in goal. Up front I had a giant like Tony Adams. He taught me so much. I only have one regret: leaving too soon. But you know, I wanted to play."