Ludek Miklosko, West Ham legend and Czech goalkeeper, dies at 64
Synopsis
Ludek Miklosko, who made over 300 appearances for West Ham United and became one of the club's most cherished figures, has died at 64 after a battle with cancer. His passing has prompted tributes from West Ham, QPR, and the Football Association of the Czech Republic, with dedicated match tributes already planned.
Key Takeaways
Ludek Miklosko , former West Ham United , QPR , and Czech Republic goalkeeper, died at 64 on 14 September 2026 .
He was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and withdrew from treatment in December 2024 .
Miklosko made over 300 appearances for West Ham and won the Hammer of the Year award in 1990–91 .
West Ham will honour him with a tribute at the Carabao Cup match vs Fulham and dedicate the QPR Championship fixture on 9 October to his memory.
He represented Czechoslovakia from 1982 to 1992 and the Czech Republic in 1996 and 1997 .
Former West Ham United, QPR, and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko passed away on 14 September 2026 at the age of 64, following a prolonged battle with cancer. Miklosko had been diagnosed with the illness in 2021 and reportedly withdrew from treatment in December 2024.
A West Ham Legend
Miklosko spent the most celebrated chapter of his career at West Ham United, where he made over 300 appearances for the club between 1990 and 1998. His performances earned him the prestigious Hammer of the Year award in the 1990–91 season, cementing his place as one of the most beloved figures in the club's history.
West Ham paid an emotional tribute, describing him as a 'legendary former goalkeeper and coach.' '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 in an official statement. 'Rest in peace, Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man,' it added.
Family Tribute and Personal Loss
Miklosko's son, Martin Miklosko, confirmed his father's passing with a heartfelt message. 'We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer,' 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,' he added.
Club Tributes Planned
West Ham are set to honour Miklosko with a period of appreciation ahead of their Carabao Cup match at Fulham on Tuesday. The club will also dedicate their next Championship fixture against QPR on 9 October to his memory — a fitting tribute given that Miklosko also turned out for QPR from 1998 to 2001 at the end of his playing career.
Czech Football Mourns
The Football Association of the Czech Republic (FACR) also mourned the loss of a national football icon. Miklosko had represented Czechoslovakia from 1982 to 1992 and later featured for the Czech Republic in 1996 and 1997. He was also a prominent figure at Baník Ostrava before making his move to England.
'Czech football has been hit by sad news. Former Czechoslovakian and Czech national team goalkeeper Luděk Mikloško, a prominent figure of Baník Ostrava and a legend of English West Ham United, has died at the age of 64 after a serious illness,' the FACR said in a statement.
FACR Chairman David Trunda expressed his personal condolences: 'It is with deep sadness that I received the news of the death of Ludek Miklosko, one of the prominent figures of Czech football. With his performances and approach to football, Ludek Miklosko made a significant mark on its history and earned respect not only in the Czech Republic but also abroad. His name will forever be associated with a significant era of Czech football and with the values that he represented as a player and a person.'
Miklosko's passing draws the curtain on a career that bridged two eras of European football and left an indelible imprint on both English club football and Czech footballing history.
Point of View
Cup runs, Upton Park roars — are inseparable from his presence in goal. The Czech Republic's tribute underlines something broader: that the post-Communist generation of Eastern European footballers who moved west in the early 1990s built bridges between two footballing worlds that had long been kept apart. Miklosko was one of the most human of those bridge-builders, and the grief from both sides of the continent reflects that.
NationPress
14 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Ludek Miklosko die?
Ludek Miklosko died following a battle with cancer, which he had been diagnosed with in 2021. He reportedly withdrew from treatment in December 2024 and passed away at the age of 64.
How many appearances did Miklosko make for West Ham?
Miklosko made over 300 appearances for West Ham United during his time at the club from 1990 to 1998. He was named the club's Hammer of the Year in the 1990–91 season.
Which clubs did Ludek Miklosko play for?
Miklosko played for West Ham United from 1990 to 1998 and later for QPR from 1998 to 2001. Before moving to England, he was a prominent figure at Baník Ostrava in Czechoslovakia.
How will West Ham honour Miklosko?
West Ham will hold a period of appreciation ahead of their Carabao Cup match at Fulham on Tuesday. They will also dedicate their next Championship game against QPR on 9 October to his memory.
What is Ludek Miklosko's international record?
Miklosko represented Czechoslovakia from 1982 to 1992 and later played for the Czech Republic in 1996 and 1997. He was regarded as one of the prominent figures in Czech and Czechoslovakian football history.
