Former West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age of 64 following a battle with cancer. The towering shot-stopper made almost 400 appearances for West Ham between 1990 and 1998, becoming one of the club's most beloved figures during his time in east London, with fans continuing to sing his name long after he left.
Miklosko joined West Ham from Baník Ostrava in December 1990 and went on to play a key role in helping the club win promotion to the top flight in both 1991 and 1993. He later had a spell with Queens Park Rangers before retiring in 2001, and subsequently returned to West Ham as a goalkeeping coach, a role he held for close to a decade. Internationally, he represented Czechoslovakia at the 1990 World Cup and later earned caps for the Czech Republic following the country's split.
Miklosko was first diagnosed with cancer in 2021, and in December 2024 confirmed he was withdrawing from further treatment. Days later, he made an emotional final appearance at West Ham's London Stadium for a Premier League fixture against Liverpool, receiving a hero's reception from supporters.
Paying tribute, West Ham described him as a legendary former goalkeeper and coach, calling him a beloved, inspirational figure and "gentle giant of a man." His son, Martin Miklosko, also shared a statement expressing the family's heartbreak while thanking supporters and the club for their support throughout his illness.
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