Former West Ham, QPR and Czech Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has died at the age of 6 according to BBC Sport.
Miklosko made almost 400 appearances for the Hammers from 1990 to 1998 and was much loved by supporters, who regularly sang his name long after he left the club.
He later returned as a goalkeeping coach.
Miklosko withdrew from cancer treatment in December 2024, three years after his diagnosis.
Days later he returned to West Ham’s London Stadium for a Premier League match against Liverpool to a hero’s reception.
A West Ham statement read: “It is with deep and profound sadness that West Ham United announces the passing of legendary former goalkeeper and coach, Ludek Miklosko.
“Rest in peace Ludek, our beloved, inspirational goalkeeper and gentle giant of a man.”
West Ham said a period of appreciation will be shown to Miklosko before kick-off in their Carabao Cup third-round match at Fulham on Tuesday.
They will also dedicate their next home Championship match, against QPR on 9 October, to Miklosko, who made 57 league appearances for QPR between 1998 and 2001 before retiring.
“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer,” said Martin Miklosko.
“Dad simply loved West Ham United, and especially hearing his name sung loud and proud at every game.
“The club, and its fans, were and always will be a part of our family, so thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.”
Miklosko won promotion to the old First Division with West Ham in 1990-91, his first full season with the club.
West Ham also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup that season, with Miklosko winning the club’s Hammer of the Year award.
He is best known for his performance on the final day of the 1994-95 season, when West Ham drew 1-1 with Manchester United when United required a win to finish top of the Premier League. The result meant Blackburn Rovers won the title.
When West Ham won the Conference League in 2023 in Prague, Miklosko was in attendance and was serenaded by fans while doing a lap of the pitch before kick-off.
Miklosko won 42 caps for the Czech Republic and former Czechoslovakia combined.
He ended his career as the head of the sports department at former club Banik Ostrava, where he spent eight years as a player before joining West Ham.