Former West Ham goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died aged 64 after a five-year battle with cancer, leaving a lasting legacy at the London club

Former West Ham United goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age of 64, five years after he was diagnosed with cancer, bringing an end to the life of a footballer remembered with exceptional affection by supporters of the London club.

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West Ham confirmed Miklosko’s death on Monday, describing the former goalkeeper and coach as a legendary figure and an inspirational presence who remained closely connected to the club long after his playing career ended.

“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.”

Miklosko arrived at West Ham from Baník Ostrava in 1990 and quickly established himself as an important figure in the club’s goal.

Over seven years with the Hammers, the goalkeeper made nearly 400 appearances and played a significant role in two successful promotion campaigns, helping West Ham return to the English top flight in 1991 and 1993.

His performances and personality endeared him to supporters, creating a relationship that survived long after Miklosko left the club in 1997.

The affection was evident in the songs that continued to echo around the London Stadium and elsewhere whenever supporters remembered their former goalkeeper.

Miklosko eventually returned to West Ham in a coaching role, extending a relationship with the club that had already become an important part of his life.

His journey to English football began in Czechoslovakia, where he played for Baník Ostrava before making the move to London.

He also represented Czechoslovakia internationally before later playing for the Czech Republic.

Away from football, Miklosko faced a prolonged battle with cancer.

In December 2024, he revealed that he had decided to stop further treatment, telling Czech media that he wanted to live a normal life.

His final years were marked by considerable support from the football community, particularly from the West Ham family that had continued to embrace him decades after his playing days.

His son, Martin, said the family was devastated by the loss but grateful for the affection shown to his father during his illness.

“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,” Martin said.

“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.”

Miklosko’s former club in the Czech Republic also paid tribute.

Baník Ostrava described him as an outstanding goalkeeper and, above all, a great personality, reflecting the respect he retained in his homeland as well as in England.

West Ham have announced that Miklosko will be honoured during Tuesday’s League Cup third-round match against Fulham, allowing supporters to pay tribute to a player whose name became inseparable from an important period in the club’s history.

For West Ham supporters, Miklosko’s legacy is about more than the number of matches he played or the two promotions he helped deliver.

He represented a generation of players who forged unusually strong relationships with supporters, relationships built through loyalty, personality and shared memories rather than simply statistics.

That connection remained visible throughout Miklosko’s illness, when messages of support continued to come from the club and its fans.

His death closes a remarkable chapter in West Ham’s history, but the goalkeeper’s legacy is likely to remain alive wherever supporters gather to remember the players who helped shape the club.

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For a goalkeeper who once stood between the posts at Upton Park, the enduring sound of his name being sung by West Ham supporters may ultimately be one of the most fitting tributes of all.