FC Augsburg mourn Alexander Manninger
Former FCA goalkeeper dies aged 48
Club
16.04.2026, 15:52
FC Augsburg are mourning the loss of Alexander Manninger. The club’s former goalkeeper passed away suddenly on Thursday morning at the age of 48.
Born in Salzburg, Manninger began his career at Austria Salzburg before making history in 1997 by becoming the first Austrian to move to the Premier League when he signed for Arsenal. He then went on to play for a number of clubs in Italy before the 33-time Austria international joined FC Augsburg in 2012.
Manninger made 38 competitive appearances for FCA. One of his most memorable moments came on the final day of the 2012/13 season, when he saved a penalty in a 3-1 win over Greuther Fürth and played a decisive role in keeping the club in the Bundesliga. He was also part of Augsburg’s Europa League squad in the 2015/16 campaign. In July 2016, Alex Manninger moved to Liverpool, where he retired a year later.
FCA CEO Michael Ströll reacted with deep sadness to the news: “We are deeply shocked by the passing of our former player and friend Alexander Manninger. Alex was not only a top-class goalkeeper, but also an outstanding and widely respected person who meant a great deal to our team and to the entire club. It is hard to comprehend that Alex is no longer with us, particularly as he had only recently visited the club again. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
