West Ham legend Ludek Miklosko dies aged 64 after cancer battle

West Ham United have announced the death of legendary Czech goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko at the age of 64, following a courageous three-year battle with cancer.

Miklosko stopped receiving treatment in December 2024. Shortly before that, he made an emotional return to London Stadium to watch West Ham play Liverpool in the Premier League. Supporters gave him a hero’s welcome and chanted his name for an extended period, underlining the special place he held in the club’s history.

West Ham said in a statement: “It is with great sadness and sorrow that West Ham United mourn the passing of legendary former goalkeeper and coach, Ludek Miklosko.”

The club added: “Rest in peace, Ludek, our beloved and inspirational goalkeeper, and a great man with a kind heart.”

Miklosko made almost 400 appearances for West Ham between 1990 and 1998 and became one of the most popular players among the club’s supporters. Their affection for him continued after his departure, and he later returned to work as the club’s goalkeeping coach.

His rise to prominence began during his first full season, in 1990-91. He helped West Ham win promotion to the old First Division, reached the FA Cup semi-finals and was named the club’s player of the season.

His most famous performance came on the final day of the 1994-95 Premier League season. Miklosko produced a heroic display against Manchester United as West Ham held them to a 1-1 draw. The result denied Manchester United the title and handed it to Blackburn Rovers, making the match one of the most memorable in Premier League history.

His relationship with West Ham remained strong until the end of his life. When the club won the Europa Conference League in 2023 in Prague, Miklosko was present and received a warm reception from supporters as he toured the pitch before the match.

West Ham will hold a period of mourning before Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round fixture against Fulham. The club will also dedicate their forthcoming Championship match against Queens Park Rangers on 9 October to his memory. Miklosko played 57 times for Queens Park Rangers between 1998 and 2001 before retiring.

His son, Martin, said: “With hearts full of sorrow, we mourn the death of my father, Ludek, after his courageous battle with cancer. My father loved West Ham United, especially hearing his name proudly and passionately chanted at every match. The club and its supporters were, and will always remain, part of our family, so we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”

Miklosko ended his international career with 42 appearances for Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. He later became head of the sports department at his boyhood club, Banik Ostrava, where his career had begun eight years before he moved to England.