Alex Manninger during his time at Juventus (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)
Former Arsenal and Liverpool goalkeeper Alex Manninger died tragically in a car accident at the age of 48.
The Austrian’s passing was announced by one of his former clubs, Red Bull Salzburg, in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
The post read: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a road accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
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See below for the post, which features a photo of Manninger during one of his two spells with Salzburg in a career that spanned more than 20 years…
Wir trauern um unseren ehemaligen Torhüter Alexander Manninger, der tragisch bei einem Verkehrsunfall verunglückt ist. Unsere Gedanken sind bei seiner Familie und seinen Freunden. Ruhe in Frieden, Alexander. ?? pic.twitter.com/AjfpNOwNU7
– FC Red Bull Salzburg (@RedBullSalzburg) April 16, 2026
Work by Alex Manninger
Manninger is perhaps best known in England for his spell with Arsenal as a teenager, where he played a key role in their double-winning season of 1997/98.
Despite not being a big name before he arrived, Manninger put in a string of strong performances late in the campaign when he was called upon to fill in for the injured David Seaman.
Manninger remains fondly remembered by Gunners fans for his role in the club’s Premier League and FA Cup success that season, and they will be devastated to hear of the passing of this legendary former player.
The former Austria international was also a back-up ‘keeper at Liverpool in 2016/17, while making his mark at various Serie A clubs, including Juventus.
Bad news that Alex Manninger has died after a car accident. He played a key role in 1998 twice, stepping up when the team needed him with David Seaman out.
Sad news. pic.twitter.com/e5ITIZClOI
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) April 16, 2026
Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has tragically passed away, aged 48, following a road accident.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP. ? pic.twitter.com/FadHwffP2o
– afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 16, 2026
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This time tributes poured in on social media after the sad news of Manninger’s passing.
The Austrian FA also released a statement on the news, saying: “The news of the death of Alex Manninger is very shocking. With him, football loses a special person. In this difficult time, my condolences go to his family, his friends, and all those who were close to him. Great strength in the future.”
