The football world was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Alex Manninger, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 48. The former Austrian goalkeeper lost his life in an accident near Salzburg when his car was struck by a train at a level crossing. The tragedy occurred around 8:20 a.m. local time, leaving his family, former clubs, and countless fans in shock.
Arsenal loses a man from the double-double
In England, Alex Manninger remains associated with his time at Arsenal, where he played between 1997 and 2001 before remaining with the club until 2002. He made 64 appearances for the Gunners and was part of the squad that won the Premier League and the FA Cup. A reliable, dedicated, and unassuming goalkeeper, he seized his opportunity during a crucial period of the season, earning the respect of his teammates and the fans.
A career built on consistency
Beyond Arsenal, Manninger enjoyed a rich and solid career across Europe. He played for several renowned clubs, notably in Italy, but also in Germany and England. His journey took him to prestigious dressing rooms, where he forged a reputation as an impeccable professional, always ready to step up, even behind the scenes. This consistency made him a respected player far beyond his statistics.
A strong face of Austrian football
Alex Manninger also left his mark on the Austrian national team. Capped 33 times, he embodied reliability and professionalism for many years. In his country, he was seen as an exemplary representative of Austrian football, admired for his composure, professionalism, and longevity at the highest level.
