Former Arsenal and Austria Goalkeeper Alex Manninger Dies in Train Collision

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train in Austria.

The incident occurred at approximately 08:20 local time on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at a level crossing near Salzburg. Police confirmed that Manninger was alone in the vehicle when it was hit and dragged by the train. Emergency responders used a defibrillator after freeing him from the wreckage, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup during the 1997-98 season. He also earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team and was part of the squad that competed at Euro 2008 in his home country.

After beginning his career with Red Bull Salzburg, Manninger played for 14 clubs across Europe, including Juventus, Siena, Udinese, Augsburg, Fiorentina, Torino, and Espanyol. He had a brief spell with Liverpool in 2016 as a 39-year-old but did not make an appearance for the club.

During his time at Arsenal, Manninger served as a deputy to David Seaman but made crucial contributions when called upon. He was named Premier League Player of the Month for March 1998 after helping Arsenal defeat West Ham in the FA Cup sixth round via penalties and delivering a standout performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Seaman later described Manninger as a “great friend” and a “massive player” for the club, praising his composure and professionalism despite being only 20 years old during high-pressure appearances in the 1997-98 campaign.

Manninger retired in 2017 after a 22-year professional career that spanned England, Spain, Italy, and Germany. He won a league title with Juventus in 2012 and was a double winner with Arsenal in 1998, securing both the Premier League and FA Cup.

Tributes poured in from across the football world following the news of his passing. Red Bull Salzburg confirmed his death and expressed sorrow over the loss of a former player and ambassador for the club. Juventus also released a statement, calling him “an example of humility, dedication, and professionalism” and offering condolences to his family.