Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper who played a pivotal role in the club’s 1998 double-winning season, has died at the age of 48 following a road accident near Salzburg.
His former teammate, David Seaman, described him as a “massive player” in Arsenal’s history.
Reports from Austria indicate that Manninger’s car was involved in a collision with a train on a level crossing of the Salzburg local railway in Nussdorf am Haunsberg on Thursday morning.
Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal over five years, notably stepping in for Seaman during the crucial latter stages of the 1997/98 campaign. His impressive performances helped Arsene Wenger’s side secure both the Premier League and FA Cup in the Frenchman’s first full season at the helm.
"It is devastating news," Seaman, 62, told the Press Association. "It is really sad and it is difficult to get your head around it. When I think of Alex Manninger, he was a fantastic goalkeeper for us. He came in and deputised for me during a really critical time to help us win the double. He did amazingly well.
“He was just a young lad when he broke into the first team. For a 20-year-old to come in and play for Arsenal in the way that he did was really special."
Seaman recalled Manninger’s impact during his own injury absence.
"I was out for quite a few games through injury. He played 13 times, kept a clean sheet in the key 1-0 league win against Manchester United at Old Trafford and saved penalties in our (quarter-final) FA Cup win against West Ham.
“The fans loved him. And I must admit it was touch and go as to whether I would get back in the side. He was a massive player for Arsenal."
Manninger, who earned 33 caps for Austria, began his career with RB Salzburg before joining Arsenal in a £500,000 move from Grazer AK in June 1997.
He departed for Espanyol in 2002, subsequently playing for several Italian clubs including Torino, Bologna, Siena, and Juventus, where he won a Serie A title. He also had a brief, non-playing spell with Liverpool in 2016.
Seaman further praised Manninger’s dedication and character.
"When you looked at him, he was very athletic, had a great spring and made great saves. He was so competitive in the standards that he set himself. He wanted to be the best and if he let a goal in, he wouldn’t shut up about it.
“He never stopped analysing the goals he let in because of how good he wanted to be. He was a great friend, too. And like me was a fisherman and we spent may hours together on the lakes. My thoughts are with his wife and young family."
Tributes poured in from his former clubs. Arsenal posted on X: "Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger. Rest in peace, Alex."
Liverpool’s X account added: "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."
Juventus remembered "a man of rare values". Their statement on X read: "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. Alex Manninger will be remembered for the example he set, on and off the pitch. Juventus expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Alex Manninger and stands close to his family in this moment of grief."
Gianluigi Buffon, Manninger’s former Juventus teammate, shared a poignant tribute on Instagram: "Every word is superfluous. Every tear would be just another for the loss of a friend and someone I’ve always admired. You chose to remain independent from the addiction of the world of football, seeking your happiness in the simple things: a healthy life in the woods, fishing, nature, family. This was your credo.
“In a world often bowed and genuflected, chasing oppression, careerism, and easy money, you always asserted your freedom, maintaining an upright posture, with the pride of someone who knows what you want.
“You had the strength to distance yourself from all this and look at us with that sly smile of yours, as if to say: ‘You’re all crazy, you’ll never have me’. I hope, indeed, I’m certain, that from up there you will continue to guide your beautiful children and your young wife."
