Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alexander Manninger has died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train in Austria, his former club Red Bull Salzburg confirmed.
According to the Austrian news agency APA, the incident occurred in the Salzburg region when Manninger’s vehicle was hit while crossing railway tracks. Police said the cause of the accident is still under investigation, adding that no other injuries were reported.
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“We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident,” Red Bull Salzburg said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
Tributes also poured in from the Austrian Football Association and Arsenal.
“With him, the world of football has lost a very special person,” the Austrian FA posted, while Arsenal said it was “shocked and deeply saddened” by the news.
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning both the Premier League and FA Cup. Although largely a deputy to David Seaman, he played a crucial role during the 1997/98 season when Seaman was injured, helping the club secure a domestic double in Arsène Wenger’s first full campaign in charge.
“He did amazingly well,” Seaman said. “For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal the way he did was really special. The fans loved him.”
Manninger earned 33 caps for Austria and represented his country at UEFA Euro 2008 on home soil.
He began his career at Red Bull Salzburg and went on to play across Europe, including spells with Juventus, Udinese, Siena and FC Augsburg.
Manninger also signed a short-term deal with Liverpool in 2016 but did not make a first-team appearance.
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