By MICHAEL PAVITT, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 02:45 EDT, 17 April 2026 | Updated: 02:45 EDT, 17 April 2026
David Seaman has paid tribute to his 'great friend' Alex Manninger following his death at the age of 48, stating that the former Arsenal goalkeeper would be remembered as a 'massive player' for the club.
Manninger died at the age of 48 on Thursday after his car was hit by a train in his native Austria.
Local media outlet Salzburg ORF reported that the car was struck on a level crossing at Pabing, near Nussdorf am Haunsberg, at approximately 8.20am.
Manninger is thought to have been alone in his vehicle, with the train driver and around 25 passengers unharmed.
A investigation by the public prosecutor is ongoing. The red signal at the level crossing is also set to be examined, to learn whether it was operational at the right time.
Manninger, who became the first Austrian player to star in the Premier League, made 64 appearances during five years at Arsenal.
David Seaman has described Alex Manninger, pictured, as a 'massive player' for Arsenal as he paid tribute to his former team-mate, who died at the age of 48 on Thursday
An investigation is ongoing after a local Salzburg train struck Manninger's Volkswagen van
Manninger had played a key role in Arsenal claiming a league and FA Cup double in 1998
He played a key role in Arsenal's league and FA Cup double in 1998, having deputised for the injured Seaman at a crucial time in the season.
Speaking to to PA Media, Seaman said that Manninger's passing was 'devastating news', as he paid tribute to his former team-mate.
'It is really sad and it is difficult to get your head around it,' Seaman said.
'When I think of Alex Manninger, he was a fantastic goalkeeper for us. He came in and deputised for me during a really critical time to help us win the double.
'He did amazingly well. He was just a young lad when he broke into the first team. For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal in the way that he did was really special.
'I was out for quite a few games through injury. He played 13 times, kept a clean sheet in the key 1-0 league win against Manchester United at Old Trafford and saved penalties in our (quarter-final) FA Cup win against West Ham.
'The fans loved him. And I must admit it was touch and go as to whether I would get back in the side. He was a massive player for Arsenal.
'When you looked at him, he was very athletic, had a great spring and made great saves.
Former team-mate Gianluigi Buffon paid a particularly touching tribute to his old friend
'He was so competitive in the standards that he set himself. He wanted to be the best and if he let a goal in, he wouldn't shut up about it. He never stopped analysing the goals he let in because of how good he wanted to be.
'He was a great friend, too. And like me was a fisherman and we spent may hours together on the lakes. My thoughts are with his wife and young family.'
Arsenal also paid tribute to Manninger in a post on social media on Thursday.
'Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger,' the club's statement read. 'All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.
'Rest in peace, Alex (red heart emoji).'
Manninger later enjoyed spells at European clubs including Torino, Siena, Red Bull Salzburg - the newly formed iteration of his first club Austria Salzburg after its purchase by Red Bull in 2005 - Udinese and Augsburg.
Manninger also won the Scudetto with Juventus. His former team-mate, Italian football legend Gianluigi Buffon, wrote a poignant tribute on Thursday, sharing both his upset and his admiration.
'Dear Alex, every word is superfluous,' he captioned a picture of the pair together on Instagram. 'Every tear would be just another for the loss of a friend and a person I have always admired.
'You have chosen to remain independent from the addiction of the world of football, seeking your happiness in simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your belief.
'In a world that is often bent and kneeling, chasing oppression, careerism and easy money, you have always claimed your freedom, maintaining an upright posture, with the pride of someone who knows what they want.
'You had the strength to walk away from all this and look at us with that sly smile of yours, as if to say: "you're all crazy, you'll never have me".
'I hope, indeed, I am certain, that from up there you will continue to guide your splendid children and your young wife.
'Rest in peace. Gigi.'
The former Austria goalkeeper ended his career at Liverpool during the 2016-17 season
Although he featured for the Reds for a solitary season before retiring in 2017, Liverpool also shared a touching tribute, writing: 'Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48.
'The Austrian arrived at Anfield in July 2016 to spend the final season of his lengthy playing career as a Red. Brought in as an experienced back-up goalkeeper, he featured in two friendly fixtures and was named in the matchday squad on four occasions during that campaign.
'The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex's family and friends at this difficult time.'
In his country's colours, Manninger won 33 caps between 1999 and 2009, travelling with the team as part of Austria's 2008 European Championship squad.
'The news of Alex Manninger's death is deeply upsetting,' The Austrian Football Association (OFB) wrote in a social media post. '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!'
'Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch,' OFB sporting director Peter Schottel shared in a separate statement. 'His international career set standards and inspired and influenced many young goalkeepers.
'Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.'