West Ham United and the football world mourns the passing of one of the club’s most respected goalkeepers, Ludek Miklosko, who died at the age of 64. The Czech Republic international died after a brave battle against cancer, his family said on Monday.
Born “Ludo” in 1990, Miklosko was a key player at Upton Park after joining West Ham from Banik Ostrava. He spent eight years at the Hammers and played 373 games to become a regular favourite with their fans. Miklosko played for West Ham, Queens Park Rangers and retired from professional football in 2001. His association with the Hammers didn’t end when he stopped playing; he then went back to coach goalkeeping for the club.
After his return to his homeland, Miklosko, away from the pitch, worked with a sports agency and contributed to the development of young footballers. He returned to Banik Ostrava in 2022, when he became a member of their board and sporting director.
In 2021, Miklosko was diagnosed with some form of cancer. Three years later he admitted that he had decided not to receive chemotherapy and to “enjoy life”.
West Ham paid an emotional tribute to their former goalkeeper, calling him a “beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man”. His supporters had been keeping the tradition of honouring Miklosko at matches, which saw his name being sung from the stands on a regular basis and a special tifo erected in his honour earlier this year.
The club will take a moment of silence prior to Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third round clash with Fulham. His son Martin Miklosko revealed this week that his father was a “very proud and sincere West Ham and supporter” and was “heartbroken” that he had passed away. But Miklosko’s legacy goes beyond his 373 appearances. “Ludo” will forever be a legend for generations of West Ham fans.
