West Ham honour Ludek Miklosko with moving tribute as fans chant his name

As the crowd at Upton Park rose to sing the familiar chant ‘My name is Ludek Miklosko…’, the club confirmed the former goalkeeper’s death at age 64 after a long battle with cancer. The emotional scene underscored the affection the Hammers still hold for the Czech legend, whose family released a statement on Tuesday.

From Banik Ostrava to the London stage

After a successful trial in 1989, the Czech keeper signed for West Ham United for a £300,000 fee. A work permit was granted in February 1990 and he moved to London, joining the Hammer side that year. He quickly became a fan favourite, earning the nickname Ludo.

Career highlights and club achievements

Miklosko made 373 appearances for the Hammers over an eight‑year spell from 1990 to 1997. He was voted Hammer of the Year and named in the PFA Second Division Team of the Year in 1991, and helped the club secure two promotions and reach the semi‑finals of both the FA Cup and the League Cup. His man‑of‑the‑match performance in 1995 denied Manchester United the Premier League title.

Reports differ on his international record: one source notes a debut in a 1982 friendly in Denmark and a total of 40 caps for Czechoslovakia, while another mentions only two appearances for his country.

After hanging up his gloves, Miklosko returned to the club as goalkeeping coach, a role he held until 2010 before heading back to Czechia. He later worked with a sports agency and served as board member and sporting director at Banik Ostrava, rejoining the club in a senior capacity.

Family and fans remember a gentle giant. His son Martin said, “We are heart‑broken to announce the passing of my Dad Luděk, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer.” The club’s Getty‑distributed statement added that “Ludo simply loved West Ham United, and especially hearing his name sung loud and proud at every game.”

West Ham will pay tribute before the Carabao Cup third‑round clash with Fulham on Tuesday, and the upcoming home Championship fixture against Queens Rangers on 9 October will also be dedicated to Miklosko. The chant “My name is Ludek Miklosko, I come from near Moscow, I play in goal for West Ham” will echo on each matchday.

His legacy endures both in London and in Czech football, where he is celebrated as a “gentle giant” who left an indelible mark on the club and inspired a generation of goalkeepers.