International soccer

Alex Manninger death: The former Arsenal goalkeeper you forgot played for Liverpool

Authorities in Austria confirmed the death of ex-Premier League goalkeeper Manninger following a tragic accident.

Ralf Orlowski

Update: Apr 17th, 2026 03:28 EDT

Former Austria international goalkeeper Alexander Manninger died Thursday in a tragic accident in his hometown of Salzburg, Austrian authorities confirmed. He was 48.

Manninger, who enjoyed a long career at top European clubs including Arsenal, Juventus and Liverpool, was involved in a fatal collision between his car and a train early Thursday morning.

Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.

All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.

Rest in peace, Alex ❤️ pic.twitter.com/b4i7jjjLQl
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 16, 2026

Details of Manninger’s fatal crash

According to Austrian police, Manninger’s vehicle was struck and dragged by a train at approximately 8:20 a.m. local time while crossing tracks in Nußdorf am Haunsberg, in the Flachgau district.

Emergency responders pulled Manninger, who was alone in the car, from the wreckage. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. The train operator was unharmed.

Authorities say the cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Manninger’s Premier League impact

Born in Salzburg on June 4, 1977, Manninger began his professional career with local club Salzburg before making a move to the Premier League with Arsenal in 1997.

Although primarily a backup for the Gunners, Manninger played a key role in their Premier League-FA Cup double in 1997-98 after first-choice David Seaman suffered an injury. The Austrian only played in seven league games that season, normally not enough to receive a medal, but was given special dispensation because of the importance of his contribution in the run-in.

He went on to build a well-traveled career across Europe, featuring prominently in Italy with clubs such as Fiorentina, Bologna, Torino, Brescia, Siena, Udinese and Juventus. He also had spells in Germany with Augsburg and in Spain.

In 2002, Manninger signed with Espanyol, although he did not make a competitive appearance for the club.

The goalkeeper finished his career with Liverpool in 2016-17, but only appeared for the Reds in two preseason friendlies before retiring in May 2017.

Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48.

The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex's family and friends at this difficult time.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 16, 2026

Austria international and Euro 2008 participant

Manninger earned 33 caps for the Austrian national team and was part of the squad at UEFA Euro 2008, which was co-hosted by Austria and ultimately won by Spain.

His death has sent shockwaves through the soccer world, with former clubs and teammates paying tribute in the hours after his death was announced.

Arsenal, Liverpool pay tribute to Manninger

“Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger,” Arsenal wrote on social media. “All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Alex.”

“Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48,” reads Liverpool’s online tribute. “The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex’s family and friends at this difficult time.”