The football world mourns the loss of Ludek Miklosko, the former goalkeeper for West Ham United and Queens Park Rangers (QPR), who passed away at the age of 64 after battling cancer.

Miklosko began his journey in English football when he joined West Ham United from Baník Ostrava in 1990 for £300,000 following a trial. His impact was immediate, as he played a pivotal role in helping the team gain promotion to the top division in his first season. Over his eight-year tenure, he made 373 appearances for the club before moving to QPR in 1998, initially on loan. He concluded his playing career there in 2001.

After retiring, Miklosko returned to West Ham as a goalkeeping coach, a position he held until 2010. He later transitioned to work for a sports agency and took on significant roles at Baník Ostrava as a board member and sporting director.

West Ham United released a heartfelt statement, honoring Miklosko as a “beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man,” emphasizing that he would “for ever hold a special place in the hearts of the West Ham family.”

Internationally, Miklosko represented Czechoslovakia 40 times and played twice for Czechia, starting his international career in 1982. In a statement made in 2024, he revealed his decision to withdraw from cancer treatment.

His son, Martin Miklosko, expressed the family’s sorrow, stating they are heartbroken but find comfort in the immense support received and the knowledge that he is now at peace.