Former Premier League and Serie A goalkeeper Alex Manninger has died following a crash.

Local media outlet Salzberg ORF reports that the ex-Austrian international's car was hit while crossing a level crossing near Nussdorf am Haunsberg.

Red Bull Salzburg, Manninger's first club, made the heartbreaking announcement online.

The Isuzu UTE A-League side said: "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."

Manninger died in a traffic accident. Credit: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

This is a breaking news story, more to follow.

Featured image credit: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

A Uruguayan soccer player has tragically passed away aged just 27 after collapsing on the pitch during a game.

Juan Izquierdo collapsed during the second leg of Nacional’s round of 16 tie against São Paulo at Morumbi Stadium in Brazil on August 22, per the Guardian.

It is believed his collapse was caused by an irregular heartbeat and he was immediately transported to the hospital, where he was placed in neurological critical care due to increased intracranial pressure.

Izquierdo had been on a ventilator since Sunday.

The Nacional defender was pronounced dead at 9:38PM local time yesterday, with the hospital confirming the cause as “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia.”

Nacional announced Izquierdo's passing in a statement on X (formerly Twitter): “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that the Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo.

"We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. All of Nacional is in mourning for his irreparable loss.”

Alejandro Domínguez, the president of CONMEBOL, also expressed his sympathy, saying: “South American football is in mourning.” São Paulo FC described the day as a “sad day for football.”

Izquierdo collapsed in the 84th minute of the match against São Paulo, after replacing Sebastián Coates at halftime.

The defender fell to the ground without any contact with another player.

Medical staff from both teams rushed onto the pitch, and Izquierdo was taken off the field by ambulance, receiving applause from the fans.

Uruguay's first- and second-division football leagues were postponed last weekend out of concern for Izquierdo's health.

In a show of support, São Paulo players wore shirts honoring the Uruguayan player before their 2-1 victory against Vitória on Sunday.

Izquierdo’s football career began in 2018 with local club Cerro. He joined Peñarol in 2019 but saw limited playing time before moving to Montevideo Wanderers.

In 2022, he was signed by Nacional, where he played one match before being transferred to Liverpool FC in Uruguay.

The defender played a crucial role in Liverpool's campaign, helping them secure their first Uruguayan league title in over a century in 2023.

He returned to Nacional earlier this year, competing for a spot in the starting lineup alongside veteran Coates.

This season, Izquierdo appeared in 23 matches and scored one goal.

Our thoughts are with Izquierdo's fans and loved ones at this time.

Featured image credit: Alexandre Schneider/Getty

Gabon international footballer Aaron Boupendza has died at age 28 after a fatal fall from a high-rise building in China.

The striker, who had recently joined Chinese Super League club Zhejiang, reportedly fell from the 11th floor of a building and succumbed to his injuries, per BBC News.

His death was confirmed by the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) on Wednesday (April 16).

“At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon (in 2022),” FEGAFOOT said in a public statement.

“Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania.

“FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time.”

Boupendza had recently transferred from Romanian side Rapid Bucharest to Zhejiang and was already making an impact. He had scored four goals and provided six assists in six matches for the Chinese club.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world, including from Gabonese national team legends and international clubs.

Former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who played alongside Boupendza for Gabon, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram with a photo of the pair embracing.

“I don't have the words,” he wrote in French. “Rest in peace my brother.”

Gabon midfielder Mario Lemina also paid tribute in a deeply emotional post, writing: “Rest in peace Aaron. So talented, joyful. Allah is great and knows your heart. My rage is immense today.

"These same people who called themselves brothers, friends or others and who advised you in this direction, I hope that they will at least ask forgiveness from your parents with sincerity because today we must all feel the guilt.

“May your soul pass in peace. May Allah soothe the heart of your family and those who truly wanted the best for you.”

Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema also shared his condolences, calling Boupendza a national asset.

“It is with great sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese soccer,” President Nguema said. “I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless his soul.”

Boupendza's football journey spanned multiple countries and leagues. He began his career in France, turning out for Bordeaux, Pau, and Tours, before rising to prominence with Hatayspor in Turkey, where he played after their promotion to the Super Lig.

His talent then took him to Qatar, followed by the United States, where he played for FC Cincinnati in the 2023/24 MLS season.

His former club in the U.S. issued a statement following the news of his death: “We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China.

"Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates. He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him. Rest in Peace, Aaron.”

Since making his international debut in 2016, Boupendza had 35 caps for the Gabon national team, scoring eight goals. He featured in the Africa Cup of Nations most recently in 2023 and had become a core part of the squad over the years.

Featured image credit: David Jensen / Getty Images