West Ham legend Ludek Miklosko dead aged 64: Tributes pour in for ‘gentle giant’ as former Hammers goalkeeper and coach passes away after long battle with cancer

West Ham have announced the death of their legendary former goalkeeper and coach Ludek Miklosko aged 64.

The Czech star, who played in 373 matches for the Hammers between 1990 and 1997, has passed away after a battle with cancer. 

Miklosko, known by supporters as ‘Ludo’, last visited the London Stadium in December 2024 as a Guest of Honour against Liverpool, having confirmed his cancer diagnosis. 

Since then, fans have sung his ‘my name is Ludek Miklosko, I come from near Moscow, I play in goal for West Ham’ chant at each match.

‘The giant goalkeeper will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the West Ham family,’ the club said. 

‘Everyone at West Ham United would like to extend their sincere condolences to Ludek’s family and loved ones and this very sad time.’

Miklosko won two promotions with the Hammers, reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and League Cup, and even prevented Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United from winning the Premier League in 1995 with a man-of-the-match performance. 

He also played for Queens Park Rangers in English football. 

The ‘gentle giant’ also made two appearances for his country, and played for Hvezda Cheb and Banik Ostrava in his homeland. Mostly recently, he headed up the sports department at the latter, one of the biggest Czech clubs. 

Tributes have been pouring in for Miklosko.

Former West Ham team-mate Julian Dicks wrote on X: ‘Very sad news today, the passing of Ludo, I will see you again one day my friend. Plus don’t forget to have a Czech Bud waiting for me.’

David Trunda, the head of the Czech football association, said: ‘With deep sorrow, I received the news of the death of Ludek Miklosko, one of the prominent figures of Czech football. 

‘Ludek Miklosko has significantly inscribed himself into its history with his performances as well as his approach to football, earning 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 both a player and a person. On behalf of the Football Association of the Czech Republic and on my own behalf, I express my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, friends, and all those who had the opportunity to know Luděk and collaborate with him. 

‘Honour to his memory.’

Talksport broadcaster Ian Abrahams wrote: ‘A gentle giant, a phenomenal goalkeeper, I was lucky enough to meet Ludo on a few occasions and he was a great gentleman. Thoughts with his friends, family and all at West Ham.’

One fan wrote: ‘Such sad news today of the passing of Ludek Miklosko. Often signed my programme from behind the North Bank goal at Upton Park, and fortunate enough to have met him after his playing days. A goalkeeping phenomenon. RIP ‘Big Ludo’. 

More to follow.