On Monday, it was announced that legendary West Ham goalkeeper Luděk Mikloško had sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer.
The former goalkeeper, who passed away at the age of 64, played for the Irons between 1990 and 1998, becoming a hero in the East End of London.
Mikloško had been battling tumours and cancer since 2021. In December 2024, he announced that he would decline chemotherapy and withdraw from cancer treatment.
The former West Ham number one was adored by the Hammers faithful. In a statement, his son Martin wrote: “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.”
It has also been revealed that a tribute will be paid to “Ludo” prior to West Ham’s Carabao Cup tie with Fulham at the London Stadium on Tuesday night, led by Tomáš Souček, who will lay a shirt in memory of the West Ham legend.
Although much of the West Ham ecosystem has been influenced by Czechia since the turn of the decade, the Irons’ relationship with the nation arguably started with the acquisition of Ludo in 1990.
Therefore, it is somewhat fitting that a modern Czech West Ham legend (because he is) will pay tribute to his fellow countryman, who, like the Irons’ No. 28, provided Hammers fans with so many amazing memories.
The tribute to Ludo is guaranteed to be an emotional occasion, but it will be made all the more heartwarming to see one of the most likeable figures in modern West Ham history fronting what I am sure will be a thoroughly heartfelt and respectful gesture.
The London Stadium has been a much more optimistic venue in recent times. And after the jubilation of Friday night’s sensational 6-0 win over Wrexham, the mood will shift prior to Tuesday’s cup clash.
But the tribute to Ludo will be a beautiful moment of reflection for West Ham fans and the wider footballing community that lived through that era – and I couldn’t think of a better man to lead it.
