Former Austrian national team goalkeeper Alexander Manninger tragically passed away on Thursday after his vehicle was struck by a train in Salzburg. He was 48 years old.
Manninger enjoyed a prolific two-decade career, featuring for various clubs, including notable stints at Arsenal and multiple Italian teams. In memory of the late goalkeeper, his former club Fiorentina held a moment of silence and donned black armbands during their match against Crystal Palace on Thursday.
The Austrian Football Association (OEFB) and various clubs associated with Manninger expressed their sorrow following his untimely death. He had concluded his professional career in 2017.
During his time with the Austrian national team, Manninger earned 33 caps. He played for Arsenal as a reserve from 1997 to 2001, contributing to the team’s success in securing both the league title and the FA Cup during the 1997-98 season. His career ultimately ended with Liverpool in 2017.
In Italy, Manninger represented several clubs, including Fiorentina, Torino, Bologna, Siena, Udinese, and Juventus.
Peter Schoettel, the sporting director of the OEFB, praised Manninger in a statement, calling him an exemplary ambassador for Austrian football both on and off the field. He noted that Manninger’s international career served as an inspiration for many young goalkeepers, highlighting his professionalism, composure, and dependability, which made him an integral part of his teams and the national squad.
According to a statement from Salzburg police, the accident occurred at approximately 8:20 AM local time. Emergency responders managed to extract Manninger from the vehicle; however, attempts to revive him were unsuccessful.
Initial investigations indicated that Manninger’s car was struck by a train from the Salzburger Lokalbahn at a railway crossing, dragging the vehicle along afterward. The train driver reported no injuries.
In addition to Fiorentina’s tribute, league leaders Arsenal expressed their condolences on social media, while other clubs, including Liverpool, also shared messages of sympathy.
Juventus remarked, “Today marks a profoundly sad day. We have lost not only an exceptional athlete but also a man of remarkable values: humility, dedication, and an outstanding sense of professionalism.” They concluded by noting that Manninger would be remembered for the exemplary legacy he left, both on and off the pitch.
