Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal and Austria national team goalkeeper, died at age 48 after his car was struck by a train at a level crossing near Salzburg on Thursday morning, according to Fox Sports and MyJoyOnline. Manninger made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002 and was part of the squad that won the Premier League and FA Cup in 1998.
Manninger also played for Juventus and other Italian clubs during his career, with ABC News Australia and Tempo English noting his successful stints outside England. He represented Austria at the 2008 European Championship, further marking his international career.
The collision occurred at a railway crossing, which has brought renewed attention to the safety standards of such sites in the Salzburg area. Authorities have confirmed the fatality but have not yet released further details about the circumstances leading to the crash, as reported by ABC News Australia and The Irish Times.
Manninger’s death has been mourned by clubs he was associated with, including Arsenal, Juventus, and Red Bull Salzburg, reflecting his impact on football across multiple countries, according to MyJoyOnline.
Investigations into the accident and the general safety of level crossings in Salzburg are expected to continue, with local authorities scheduled to review accident reports and crossing protocols. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about railway crossing safety measures in the region.
Alex Manninger
Red Bull Salzburg
Arsenal
Austria
Juventus
Liverpool
