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 the news on Thursday, expressing shock and condolences to his family and friends.
According to the Austrian news agency APA, Manninger died when a train hit his vehicle while he was crossing railway tracks in the Salzburg region. Authorities said no other injuries were reported in the incident, while the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
“We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident,” Red Bull Salzburg said in a statement posted on Facebook.
“Our thoughts are with his family and his friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
Tributes also poured in from the Austrian Football Association and Arsenal, both of which described the former goalkeeper as an important figure in football.
“With him, the world of football has lost a very special person,” the Austrian Football Association said in a message on X.
Arsenal also paid tribute, saying: “Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.”
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning both the Premier League title and the FA Cup during his time with the club.
At international level, he earned 33 caps for Austria and was part of the squad at UEFA Euro 2008, which was co-hosted by Austria.
He began his professional career with Red Bull Salzburg before moving across several European clubs during his career, including Juventus, Udinese, Augsburg and Siena.
In 2016, at the age of 39, Manninger signed a short-term deal with Liverpool, although he did not make a competitive appearance for the club.
His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across the football community, with many remembering him for his professionalism and contributions to the game.
