Ludek Miklosko: West Ham Goalkeeping Legend and Czechoslovakia Star Dies

Ludek Miklosko was a Czech goalkeeper and coach best known as a long-serving, fan-favorite keeper for West Ham United in the 1990s. Born on December 9, 1961, in Prostejov, Czechoslovakia, he was one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation.

Miklosko earned 40 caps for Czechoslovakia between 1982 and 1992 and was part of the squad at the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He was named best goalkeeper at the Toulon Tournament in 1980 and 1982 with the Czechoslovak under-21 team. At West Ham he made more than 300 appearances from 1990 to 1998 and was named Hammer of the Year in 1991.

In December 2024 Miklosko chose to stop cancer treatment so he could keep working in football. He died of stomach cancer on September 14, 2026, in Ostrava, Czech Republic, at age 64. His son issued a tribute, and he is remembered as a calm, dependable presence between the posts.

Achievements: Named best goalkeeper at the Toulon Tournament (1980, 1982), earned 40 caps for Czechoslovakia and was part of the 1990 World Cup squad, made more than 300 appearances for West Ham United (1990-1998), named West Ham's Hammer of the Year (1991).

Birth: December 9, 1961 - Prostejov, Czechoslovakia.

Profession: Professional football goalkeeper and coach.

Interesting Facts: In a December 1995 match against Everton, Miklosko was sent off and defender Julian Dicks had to play in goal because West Ham had no substitute goalkeeper.