Key facts
- Former West Ham, QPR, and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at 64.
- Miklosko made nearly 400 appearances for West Ham between 1990 and 1998.
- He later returned to West Ham as a goalkeeping coach.
- Miklosko withdrew from cancer treatment in December 2024.
- He played 57 league appearances for QPR between 1998 and 2001.
- Miklosko won 42 caps for the Czech Republic and former Czechoslovakia.
Former West Ham, Queens Park Rangers, and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age of 64. Miklosko passed away following a battle with cancer, having announced in December 2024 that he was stepping back from further treatment.
Miklosko made nearly 400 appearances for West Ham between 1990 and 1998, becoming a beloved figure among supporters. He later returned to the club as a goalkeeping coach. His son, Martin Miklosko, expressed gratitude to the fans and the club, stating that the support gave his father strength during his illness.
During his time at West Ham, Miklosko helped the club achieve promotion to the top division in the 1990-91 season and was part of the team that reached the FA Cup semi-finals. He is particularly remembered for his performance on the final day of the 1994-95 season, where his saves against Manchester United prevented them from winning the Premier League title, allowing Blackburn Rovers to secure the championship.
Miklosko also played 57 league games for QPR between 1998 and 2001 before retiring from playing. He earned 42 international caps for the Czech Republic and former Czechoslovakia, representing his country at the 1990 World Cup. He concluded his career as head of the sports department at his former club Banik Ostrava.
West Ham United has announced plans to honor Miklosko with a period of appreciation before their Carabao Cup match against Fulham and will dedicate their next home Championship match against QPR to his memory.