Former Arsenal player Alex Manninger tragically dies at 48 after car is struck by train

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died at the age of 48 after his car was struck by a train.

According to local media outlet Salzburg ORF, Alex was killed on Thursday in his native, Austria, Salzburg. His car was reportedly struck while crossing a level crossing in Pabing, near Nussdorf am Haunsberg, at around 8.20 am.

First responders are said to have reached him after the vehicle was dragged several metres, working to free him from the wreckage. Paramedics arrived swiftly and attempted to provide further treatment, but he could not be resuscitated.  

© Getty Images

Paramedics were quick to arrive at the scene to provide further treatment, but the Salzburg native was ultimately unable to be resuscitated. 

The publication reported that the investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident is ongoing, but did confirm that the train driver and the approximately 25 passengers were unharmed. 

Alex made 64 appearances for Arsenal between 1997 and 2002, winning the Premier League and FA Cup.

Moving tributes

Commenting on the tragic news, Arsenal issued a statement which read: "Everyone at Arsenal is shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former goalkeeper, Alex Manninger.

"All our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time.

"May he rest in peace" Liverpool, the club Alex was signed to in 2016, said: "Liverpool FC is deeply saddened by the passing of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger at the age of 48.

© Liverpool FC via Getty Images

"The Austrian arrived at Anfield in July 2016 to spend the final season of his lengthy playing career as a Red. Brought in as an experienced back-up goalkeeper, he featured in two friendly fixtures and was named in the matchday squad on four occasions during that campaign.

"Manninger represented a host of clubs in Europe across two decades – including hometown side Red Bull Salzburg, Arsenal, Fiorentina, Juventus and FC Augsburg.

"He earned 33 senior caps for Austria, the first of which came in August 1999.

© Bongarts/Getty Images

"The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Alex's family and friends at this difficult time.

"RIP Alex Manninger, 1977-2026"

Meanwhile, the football association said: "Alexander Manninger was an outstanding ambassador for Austrian football, both on and off the pitch," said Austrian Football Association sporting director Peter Schottel.

"His professionalism, composure and reliability made him an integral part of his teams and the national team.

"His achievements deserve the utmost respect and will be unforgettable."

Alex's family 

Despite his fame on the pitch, Alex kept his private life out of the spotlight. The athlete never married or had children, but according to the Sunday Guardian, was known as a "gentle giant" while living a humble life in his native, Austria.

What was Alex's net worth?

At the time of his death, Alex Manninger’s net worth was estimated to be between $5 million and $7 million. As well as having a successful football career, he also proved to be a high-earning entrepreneur. After retiring from football, he returned to Salzburg, where he built a strong presence in real estate and operated a professional furniture joinery business, allowing him to maintain financial success after hanging up his gloves.