Former West Ham goalkeeper and coach Ludek Miklosko dies aged 64

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Former West Ham United goalkeeper and coach Ludek Miklósko has died aged 64, his family confirmed in a statement, offering condolences.

He played 318 times for the Hammers between 1990 and 1998 and 57 times for Queens Park Rangers between 1998 and 2001.

He returned to West Ham after retirement and served as goalkeeping coach before leaving in 2010, before returning to the Czech Republic to work at a sports investment agency and since 2024 as sporting director at former club Bank Ostrava.

But his family confirmed on Monday, September 14, 2026, that he passed away after battling stomach cancer.

The statement is as follows:

It is with deep sadness that West Ham United shares the following statement from Martin Miklósko, son of our legendary former goalkeeper and coach Ludek Miklósko…

“We are saddened to announce that my father, Luedek, has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

“On behalf of my mum and family, I would like to sincerely thank the fans and everyone at West Ham United Football Club for the kind words, thoughts and prayers they have sent to my father during his illness.

“We know that the many messages and well wishes from his former teammates and fans have brought him tremendous comfort in his battle with cancer and given him the strength to not give up and keep fighting for as long as possible.

“We are heartbroken by his passing but take great comfort in the overwhelming support he received from all of you and that he is now at peace and no longer suffering.

“Dad loved West Ham United so much, especially hearing his name sung loudly and proudly at every game. The club and its fans are and always will be part of our family, so thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Miklosko family

Everyone at West Ham United offers our condolences and condolences to Luedke’s family and would like to ask them to respect their privacy at this sad and difficult time.

There will be a period of remembrance in Luedke’s memory before kick-off against Fulham in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday, while our subsequent home EFL Championship game (against QPR on Friday 9 October) will be dedicated to Luedke’s memory. More tributes will also appear on the club’s channels in the coming days.

RIP Luedek, our beloved, inspirational goalie and gentle giant.

As previously stated, condolences have been expressed following the death of former West Ham United goalkeeper and coach Ludek Miklosko at the age of 64…

@Ironssparky1985:
Oh, big boy, what’s your name?
my name is ludo miklosko
I’m from near Moscow,
I play for West Ham United
West Ham United!
When I walk down the street,
Everyone I meet says,
Oh, big boy,
May I have your name,
my name is ludo miklosko
I’m from near Moscow,
I play goalkeeper for West Ham United ⚒️

@Cockneyboy76: One of the true club greats. His own songs have gone down in history, being sung proudly across the country. Rest in peace Ludo🩵⚒️

@ClaretBluBlood: Totally devastated. My favorite goalkeeper has been dreading this day. Really sad💔Love to the Ludo family❤️

@rickwhufc: Oh what a shame this morning’s news, my goalkeeper has grown up and is an absolute cult hero and only we are home tomorrow so we can give him a wonderful farewell. Rest in peace, boss🧤🇨🇿⚒️🫧

@j22oph: RIP big man, a great goalie but an even better person. Condolences to his family and friends. Never forgotten, a truly wonderful ambassador for West Ham United♥️

@kajanode: It’s really sad to see this. Excellent goalkeeper, but more importantly, one of the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet. An absolute fan favorite and club legend. RIP Ludo.

@pennx0: I went to see West Ham play Wimbledon in 1995. We live far away so we rarely get to see the games. We won 3-0. Julian Dix converted the penalty, followed by goals from Jeroen Bore and Toni Cottee. I met Ludo (and Jeroen and Tony) and got a photo and an autograph. Great memories.

@DHurleybooks: The first goalie I’ve ever seen play for us. Every week when the team was about to be called I would worry that he might not be in goal and when he scored I felt so relieved. A man like a mountain, a great goalkeeper and servant of the club. RIP Ludo.

@lawless: Terrible news. A great player and, more importantly, a great man left too soon. RIP legend.

@Sebby2067: Very sad news, Pakasie was one of our greatest goalkeepers, in my opinion a fantastic goalkeeper who helped us stop Manchester City from winning the title, just a very quiet and humble guy who got on with his job, rest in peace Ludo gone too soon but never forgotten

@ExWHUEmployee: He has been an absolute hero of mine from the first time I went to West Ham United. I also had the pleasure of attending a few events with him and he was a gentleman. Really sad news. His singing will forever be immortal🙏🏻❤️⚒



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