Former West Ham United, Queens Park Rangers and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age of 64 following a battle with cancer.
Miklosko became one of West Ham’s most popular goalkeepers during eight years at the club, making close to 400 appearances between 1990 and 1998. His connection with supporters endured long after his playing career ended, with his name continuing to be sung regularly from the stands.
He later returned to West Ham as a goalkeeping coach, strengthening his association with the club.
Miklosko was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and chose to stop treatment in December 2024. Shortly afterwards, he made an emotional return to London Stadium for West Ham’s Premier League match against Liverpool, receiving a warm reception from supporters.
West Ham confirmed his death and described the former goalkeeper as an inspirational figure who remained deeply loved by the club and its fanbase.
The Hammers will mark his passing ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round match away at Fulham. The club will also dedicate its next home Championship fixture, against QPR on 9 October, to Miklosko.
His son Martin said West Ham remained a major part of his father’s life and that the affection shown by supporters had always meant a great deal to the family.
Miklosko joined West Ham from Banik Ostrava in 1990 and quickly became a key figure. In his first full season, he helped the club secure promotion to the old First Division and reach the FA Cup semi-finals. His performances earned him the Hammer of the Year award for the 1990-91 campaign.
One of the defining moments of his West Ham career came on the final day of the 1994-95 Premier League season. Manchester United needed victory at Upton Park to overtake Blackburn Rovers and win the title, but Miklosko produced an outstanding display as West Ham held United to a 1-1 draw. The result ensured Blackburn were crowned champions.
His bond with West Ham supporters remained strong decades later. When the club won the Europa Conference League in Prague in 2023, Miklosko attended the final and received another memorable reception as fans sang his name during a pre-match lap of the pitch.
After leaving West Ham in 1998, he joined QPR and made 57 league appearances before retiring in 2001.
At international level, Miklosko earned 42 caps across Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.
He later returned to Banik Ostrava, the club where he had spent eight years as a player before moving to England, eventually serving as head of its sports department.
Miklosko leaves behind a lasting legacy at West Ham, where he is remembered not only for his goalkeeping ability but also as one of the club’s most admired figures of the modern era.