Former West Ham United, QPR and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died aged 64 following a battle with cancer.
Miklosko spent eight years at West Ham between 1990 and 1998, making almost 400 appearances for the club. He became a popular figure among supporters, who continued to sing his name long after his departure. He later returned to West Ham as a goalkeeping coach.
Miklosko was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and withdrew from treatment in December 2024. Days later, he returned to the London Stadium for a Premier League match against Liverpool, receiving a hero’s welcome from supporters.
West Ham described Miklosko as a “legendary former goalkeeper and coach” and paid tribute to his character and influence at the club. The Hammers will hold a period of appreciation for Miklosko before their Carabao Cup third-round match at Fulham on Tuesday. His next home Championship club, QPR, will also dedicate their match against QPR on 9 October to his memory. Miklosko made 57 league appearances for QPR between 1998 and 2001 before retiring.
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His son, Martin Miklosko, said his father had a deep love for West Ham and cherished hearing supporters sing his name. Miklosko first established himself at West Ham during the 1990-91 season. He helped the club win promotion to the old First Division and reach the FA Cup semi-finals. His performances earned him the club’s Hammer of the Year award that season.
One of his most memorable moments came on the final day of the 1994-95 season. West Ham held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw, preventing United from winning the title. Blackburn Rovers subsequently became champions.
Miklosko was also present when West Ham won the Europa Conference League in Prague in 2023. Supporters serenaded him as he took part in a lap of the pitch before the final.
The goalkeeper also earned 42 international caps for Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic combined.
