Juventus honored the memory of former goalkeeper Alex Manninger with a poignant pre-match tribute ahead of their Serie A encounter against Bologna on April 19, 2026, at the Allianz Stadium in Turin.
The gesture came three days after Manninger’s tragic death in a traffic accident in Salzburg, Austria, where his car was struck by a train at a level crossing on April 16, 2026. The 48-year-old Austrian international, who earned 33 caps for his country, had previously played for Juventus between 2008 and 2012.
Before kick-off, club legends Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini carried a floral wreath onto the pitch beneath the home curve, inscribed with the words “Ciao Alex.” The moment was captured by photographers and broadcast globally, showing Buffon visibly moved as he walked alongside his former defensive teammates.
All three of Juventus’ current goalkeepers — Michele Di Gregorio, Simone Scaglia, and Carlo Pinsoglio — warmed up wearing the number 13 jersey bearing Manninger’s name, a simple yet deeply affecting gesture that drew applause from the stands. The tribute underscored the enduring bond between past and present generations at the club.
Manninger made 42 appearances in all competitions during his four-year stint at Juventus, contributing to the squad that won the Serie A title in 2011–12 under Antonio Conte. His time in Turin came during a pivotal rebuilding phase following the club’s relegation to Serie B in the aftermath of the 2006 Calciopoli scandal.
Prior to joining Juventus, Manninger had played for Arsenal, where he deputized for David Seaman during the 1997–98 season that saw the Gunners win the Premier League and FA Cup double under Arsène Wenger. He too had loan spells at Fiorentina and Siena, and later played for Red Bull Salzburg, Udinese, and FC Augsburg before retiring in 2017.
His international career with Austria included participation in UEFA Euro 2008, where he served as the third-choice goalkeeper behind Jürgen Macho and Heinz Lindner. Manninger’s professional journey spanned over two decades, with stints across England, Italy, Germany, and Austria.
Following the accident, tributes poured in from across the football world. Former Arsenal teammate David Seaman described Manninger as “a fantastic goalkeeper” who “deputised for me during a really critical time to help us win the double.” Seaman added that Manninger “did amazingly well” and was “a massive player for Arsenal” during Wenger’s first full season in charge.
RB Salzburg, another of Manninger’s former clubs, released a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying: “We mourn our former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger, who tragically lost his life in a traffic accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace, Alexander.”
The Juventus tribute reflected the club’s tradition of honoring former players who contributed to its legacy. Similar gestures have been made in recent years for figures such as Gaetano Scirea and Roberto Baggio, reinforcing the emotional connection between the team and its history.
As the match unfolded, Juventus secured a 2–0 victory over Bologna, with goals from Dušan Vlahović and Federico Chiesa. The win moved them temporarily to second in the Serie A table, pending other results.
The next fixture for Juventus is an away match against Lazio on April 26, 2026, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Fans and players alike are expected to continue honoring Manninger’s memory in the days ahead, with potential further tributes under consideration by the club.
For ongoing updates on Juventus matches, tributes, and club news, visit the official Juventus website or follow their verified social media channels.
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