West Ham United are mourning the death of legendary former goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko, who has died aged 64 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Miklosko became one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history during an eight-year spell between 1990 and 1998.
The Czech goalkeeper joined the Hammers from Banik Ostrava and went on to make almost 400 appearances for the club, establishing himself as a towering presence between the posts.
His importance to West Ham went beyond the number of games he played.
Miklosko played a key role as the Hammers secured promotion to the top flight in 1991 and again in 1993. His performances, character and connection with supporters ensured his name remained firmly etched into the club’s history.
Even after leaving West Ham, his popularity never faded.
Supporters continued to sing his name at matches years after his playing career at the club had ended. Mikloško eventually returned to West Ham in a coaching role, further strengthening his lifelong connection with the club.
West Ham confirmed his death in a deeply emotional statement.
“It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United announces the passing of legendary former goalkeeper and coach, Luděk Mikloško,” a club statement said.
“Rest in peace Luděk, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man.”
Mikloško had been diagnosed with cancer three years before his death. In December 2024, he announced that he would withdraw from further cancer treatment.
His son Martin Mikloško paid tribute to his father while thanking the West Ham community for the support shown throughout his illness.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my Dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer.”
Martin also revealed how much the messages from West Ham supporters and Mikloško’s former team-mates meant to him during his final years.
“On behalf of my Mum and my family, I would like to sincerely thank the fans and everyone at West Ham United Football Club for the kind wishes, thoughts and prayers that were sent to my Dad during his illness.”
He added that the support gave Mikloško comfort and strength during his battle.
“We know that the many messages and wishes from his former team-mates and fans alike were a huge sense of comfort to him in his battle with cancer, and gave him the strength to not give up and keep fighting for as long as he could.”
Despite the heartbreak surrounding his passing, his family said they found comfort knowing he was finally at peace.
“We are heartbroken at his loss, but take huge comfort from the immense support he received from all of you, along with the knowledge that he is now at peace and no longer suffering.”
Mikloško’s connection with West Ham was perhaps summed up perfectly by his son.
“Dad simply loved West Ham United, and especially hearing his name sung loud and proud at every game. 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.”
Mikloško also represented Czechoslovakia at the 1990 World Cup before ending his playing career with QPR.
West Ham will honour his memory with a period of appreciation during Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round meeting with Fulham.
The club’s Championship home fixture against QPR on October 9 will also be dedicated to Mikloško.
For a goalkeeper who became far more than a player to West Ham supporters, those tributes will offer another reminder of the lasting legacy he leaves behind at the London club.
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