West Ham Legend Ludek Miklosko Dies Aged 64 After Cancer Battle
Last update: September 14, 2026
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He was the gentle giant whose name never stopped ringing around east London.
Former West Ham and Czech international goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died aged 64, West Ham United confirmed on Monday. According to cbinews.tv, the club legend passed away five years after his initial cancer diagnosis.
For any Hammer who watched football in the early nineties, Miklosko was simply irreplaceable.
He joined from Banik Ostrava in 1990 and went on to make 374 appearances across seven seasons. That is not just a stat. In an era when West Ham were yo yoing between divisions, he was the constant. He was the man who helped fire the club to promotion to the top flight in 1991 and again in 1993, pulling off saves that became folklore at Upton Park. Fans never forgot him. Long after he left in 1997, you could still hear his name sung loud at every game.
That love brought him back. Miklosko later returned as goalkeeping coach, mentoring a new generation in claret and blue.
His final chapter was typically brave and dignified. In December 2024 he told Czech media he was stopping further cancer treatment because he wanted to live a normal life.
In a statement West Ham said it was with deep and profound sadness that they announced the passing of their legendary former goalkeeper and coach, adding rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man.
Banik Ostrava also paid tribute, calling him an outstanding goalkeeper and above all a great personality.
Miklosko represents a different era of English football. Before the big money, before the Premier League became a global brand, loyalty mattered.
He bridged two worlds too, starting with Czechoslovakia and later representing the newly formed Czech Republic, a reminder of how much European history changed during his career.
The human angle is in his son Martin’s words. He said the family are heartbroken but take huge comfort from the immense support his dad received and the knowledge he is now at peace and no longer suffering. He added that dad simply loved West Ham United and hearing his name sung loud and proud.
West Ham say Miklosko will be honoured with a period of appreciation before Tuesday’s League Cup third round tie against Fulham at the London Stadium. Expect an emotional night.
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