Alex Manninger is dead at 48. The former Arsenal, Juventus and Austria goalkeeper was killed on Thursday morning when his car was struck and dragged by a train at a level crossing in Nußdorf am Haunsberg, near Salzburg. He was alone in the vehicle. Despite CPR efforts from first responders, an emergency physician, and police on the scene, he could not be saved.
Salzburg police confirmed the details without naming him, but Austrian national broadcaster ORF identified Manninger as the victim. His former club Red Bull Salzburg removed any ambiguity shortly after: "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."
A career that spanned the best clubs in Europe
Manninger won the 1998 Premier League and FA Cup double with Arsenal — part of a Gunners squad that Arsène Wenger was building into one of England's most dominant sides. He went on to win Serie A with Juventus, adding European pedigree to a career that took him across the continent for over two decades. He earned 33 caps for Austria.
His former national team's sporting director Peter Schottel put it plainly: "Alexander Manninger was a great ambassador for Austrian football both on and off the pitch who set a benchmark in his international career and inspired and shaped so many young goalkeepers. His professionalism, calmness and reliability made him an important part of his teams and the national team."
That word — reliability — keeps coming up. Manninger wasn't a flashy number one anywhere he went, but he was a winner. Two of the biggest domestic titles in European football are on his CV. That's not nothing. That's a career most goalkeepers never touch.
Football paying its respects
Clubs across Europe took to social media to pay tribute as news broke on Thursday. Salzburg were the first and most direct. More will follow.
He was 48 years old. He leaves behind family and friends, and a place in Arsenal and Austrian football history that won't be quietly forgotten.
