Harrow Chronicle: Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal and Austria national team goalkeeper, has died at the age of 48 after a traffic accident
The former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died in a traffic accident at the age of 48. He made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup. Manninger also won 33 caps for the Austria national team and was part of the squad that featured at Euro 2008 in his home country. The announcement of his death was made by one of his former clubs, Red Bull Salzburg. Former Arsenal, Juventus and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has passed away in a car accident at the age of 48. pic.twitter.com/7bVx0qDGss — Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 16, 2026 In a statement, they shared: "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." Austrian Football Association sporting director Peter Schottel also paid tribute, saying: "Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch. "His professionalism, composure and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team. "His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will be unforgettable." The career of Alex Manninger Alex Manninger started his career as a youth player for SV Salzburg before being promoted to the first team at the start of the 1995–1996 season. He was sent out on loan to Vorwärts Steyr before joining Grazer AK, where he made a handful of appearances. 🚨 Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger has sadly passed away at the age of 48 in a car accident. Sending our thoughts and deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/8kAJWuJGcu — Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 16, 2026 After that, he made a high-profile move to Arsenal in 1997. During his time at Arsenal, Manninger was largely second-choice to David Seaman, but deputised for the injured England keeper late in the 1997-98 season. That season, Manninger helped Arsenal beat West Ham on penalties in the FA Cup sixth round and impressed in a memorable win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Manninger was named Premier League player of the month for March 1998. After he left Arsenal in 2002, Manninger played for a number of clubs around Europe, including Sienna, Juventus, Udinese, Red Bull Salzburg and Augsburg. He signed a short-term deal with Liverpool as a 39-year-old in 2016 but did not play.