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Former West Ham Goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko Dies at 64
Confirmed
In Short: Former West Ham goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko, a beloved figure among fans, passed away at the age of 64 after a brave battle with cancer.
Ludek Miklosko, a former West Ham and Czech Republic goalkeeper, died at the age of 64 after withdrawing from cancer treatment in December 2024, three years after his diagnosis.
West Ham announced a period of appreciation for Miklosko before their Carabao Cup match against Fulham on Tuesday, while his son Martin expressed his heartbreak at the loss of his father.
Miklosko is remembered for his performance in the 1994-95 season, when West Ham drew 1-1 with Manchester United, and for his 400 appearances for the club from 1990 to 1998.
The club also dedicated their next home Championship match against QPR on 9 October to Miklosko, who made 57 league appearances for the club between 1998 and 2001 before retiring.
What's confirmed
- Ludek Miklosko, a former West Ham and Czech Republic goalkeeper, died at the age of 64 after withdrawing from cancer treatment in December 2024, three years after his diagnosis.
- West Ham announced a period of appreciation for Miklosko before their Carabao Cup match against Fulham on Tuesday, while his son Martin expressed his heartbreak at the loss of his father.
- Miklosko is remembered for his performance in the 1994-95 season, when West Ham drew 1-1 with Manchester United, and for his 400 appearances for the club from 1990 to 1998.
- The club also dedicated their next home Championship match against QPR on 9 October to Miklosko, who made 57 league appearances for the club between 1998 and 2001 before retiring.
What's still developing
- "Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man." 'Big Ludo' - trailblazing keeper who became West Ham cult figure West Ham said a period of appreciation will be shown to Miklosko before kick-off in their Carabao Cup third-round match at Fulham on Tuesday.
- "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer," said Martin Miklosko.
- He ended his career as the head of the sports department at former club Banik Ostrava, where he spent eight years as a player before joining West Ham.
- Miklosko made almost 400 appearances for the Hammers from 1990 to 1998 and was much loved by supporters, who regularly sang his name long after he left the club.
- Days later he returned to West Ham's London Stadium for a Premier League match against Liverpool to a hero's reception.
- "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 was often referred to as 'Ludo' by fans Miklosko won promotion to the old First Division with West Ham in 1990-91, his first full season with the club.
- West Ham also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup that season, with Miklosko winning the club's Hammer of the Year award.
- When West Ham won the Conference League in 2023 in Prague, Miklosko was in attendance and was serenaded by fans while doing a lap of the pitch before kick-off.