Former goalkeeper Alex Manninger died in a traffic accident on April 16, 2026. He was 48 years old. The accident occurred around 8:20 a.m. in Nussdorf am Haunsberg, Austria. Manninger’s car was struck by a train at a railway crossing.
Manninger made significant contributions to football during his career. He earned 33 appearances for the Austrian national team. He played for Arsenal from 1997 to 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup in 1998. Later, he joined Juventus, where he played from 2008 to 2012.
Across his career, Manninger also represented several Italian clubs, including Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena, and Udinese. He retired as a professional player in 2017 after a distinguished career.
The football community has reacted with shock and sadness. Arsenal expressed their sorrow, stating, “Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.” Meanwhile, Juventus remarked, “Today is a very sad day. We have lost not only a great athlete but a man of rare values: humility, dedication, and an exceptional sense of professionalism.”
Peter Schoettel noted that “Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador of Austrian football on and off the pitch.” His legacy will be remembered by fans and players alike.