Shock as ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger dies at 48

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The global football community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of former Arsenal and Austria goalkeeper, Alex Manninger, at the age of 48.

Manninger reportedly died in a road accident in Austria after the car he was driving was struck by a train at a railway crossing near Salzburg on Thursday morning.

Despite swift response from emergency services, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

The sudden loss of the former international has sent shockwaves across the sport, with tributes pouring in from former clubs, teammates and football authorities who remembered him as a consummate professional and a respected figure both on and off the pitch.

Manninger enjoyed a distinguished career that spanned some of Europe’s top leagues. He was part of Arsenal’s historic 1997/98 squad that won the Premier League and FA Cup double, playing a key supporting role during his time at the club.

The Austrian shot-stopper also had spells with several major clubs, including Juventus, Fiorentina, Torino and Liverpool, before retiring from professional football in 2017. Over the course of his international career, he earned 33 caps for Austria, representing his country at the highest level.

Football authorities in Austria described him as “an outstanding ambassador” of the game, noting that his calmness, discipline and professionalism made him a role model for younger players.

Clubs across Europe have continued to express their grief, with tributes highlighting not just his achievements on the field, but also his humility and character away from it.