West Ham Legend Ludek Miklosko Dies at 64 After Cancer Battle

Former West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age of 64 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Miklosko became a beloved figure at West Ham, making almost 400 appearances for the club between 1990 and 1998. His popularity among supporters remained strong long after his playing career ended, with fans regularly singing his name at matches.

The Czech goalkeeper later returned to West Ham as a goalkeeping coach, maintaining his close connection with the club and its supporters.

Miklosko was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and withdrew from treatment in December 2024. Just days later, he returned to West Ham’s London Stadium for a Premier League match against Liverpool, where he received an emotional hero’s welcome from supporters.

West Ham confirmed his death in a statement, describing Miklosko as a legendary former goalkeeper and coach.

“It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United announces the passing of legendary former goalkeeper and coach, Ludek Miklosko,” the club said.

“Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man.”

The club announced that a period of appreciation would be held for Miklosko before kick-off in their Carabao Cup third-round match against Fulham. West Ham also planned to dedicate their next home Championship fixture against QPR on 9 October to the former goalkeeper.

Miklosko’s son, Martin, paid tribute to his father, describing his battle with cancer as brave and courageous.

“Dad simply loved West Ham United, and especially hearing his name sung loud and proud at every game,” he said.

“The club, and its fans, were and always will be a part of our family, so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

Miklosko joined West Ham after spending eight years as a player at Banik Ostrava in his native Czech Republic. He quickly established himself as an important figure at the London club.

During his first full season in 1990-91, Miklosko helped West Ham secure promotion to the old First Division. The club also reached the FA Cup semi-finals that season, while Miklosko was named West Ham’s Hammer of the Year.

One of the defining moments of his career came on the final day of the 1994-95 season. West Ham held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw, a result that prevented United from finishing top of the Premier League and allowed Blackburn Rovers to claim the title.

After leaving West Ham in 1998, Miklosko joined QPR, where he made 57 league appearances between 1998 and 2001 before retiring from professional football.

He remained closely associated with West Ham throughout his life. When the club won the Conference League in Prague in 2023, Miklosko attended the celebrations and was given a memorable reception by supporters as he completed a lap of the pitch before kick-off.

Miklosko also represented his country with distinction, earning 42 international caps for Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic combined.

After retiring from playing, he returned to his former club Banik Ostrava, where he eventually became head of the sports department.

His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from West Ham supporters, with the club and its fans mourning a goalkeeper whose performances, personality and connection with the community made him one of the most cherished figures in the club’s history.