(foto: Uradni facebook profil kluba)
Juventus honors Alexander Manninger with emotional tribute before Bologna match, as Buffon and club legends lead farewell after tragic death.
Juventus paid a deeply emotional tribute to former goalkeeper Alexander Manninger before their match against Bologna, following his tragic death in a car accident last week.
The atmosphere at the Allianz Stadium in Turin was filled with grief as players, staff, and fans gathered to remember a respected figure in the club’s recent history.
A special gesture came from the current goalkeepers, who warmed up wearing shirts with Manninger’s name and number 13, honoring their former teammate and his contribution to the club.
Before kickoff, club icons Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini stepped onto the pitch carrying a wreath that read “Ciao Alex”.
The moment hit hard, especially for Buffon, who appeared visibly emotional during the tribute.
The stadium then fell silent as an official message was read out:
“Alex wore our jersey. He was a loyal man, an exemplary teammate, and a person of exceptional value. He was one of the key members of the team that, step by step, returned to winning ways. We will never forget you, Alex. You will always be with us.”
A minute of silence followed, with everyone inside the stadium paying respect to the former goalkeeper.
Manninger played for Juventus between 2008 and 2012, making 42 appearances and contributing during a crucial rebuilding phase after the club’s return from the second division.
During his career, he also represented clubs such as Fiorentina and Siena, but his time in Turin remains a defining chapter.
The farewell at Juventus showed how deeply he was valued, both as a player and as a person.