West Ham tributes pour in for 'big boy' Ludek Miklosko as tragic passing announced

Legendary West Ham United goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko has sadly passed away aged 64.

Miklosko was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, but announced two years ago that he was withdrawing from treatment.

He paid his final visit to the London Stadium in December 2024, in which he shared the news of his battle with cancer to his adoring Hammers faithful.

Ahead of a game against Bournemouth in February this year, Irons fans produced a moving tifo tribute to him.

Miklosko played 373 times for West Ham between 1990 to 1998, and kept 126 clean sheets during his nine seasons with the Irons.

News of his passing on Monday has and will continue to hit the West Ham family hard for a long time, and many heart-warming tributes have been coming in.

James Collins among ex-West Ham stars paying tribute to Ludek Miklosko

He may come from near Moscow, but Miklosko always knew he had a home in East London.

Indeed, his iconic song is still sung by West Ham fans to this day, and will only be sang and louder than ever over the coming weeks.

West Ham are sure to pay their own tribute to Miklosko ahead of Tuesday night's Carabao Cup clash with Fulham.

But under their announcement post on Instagram notifying the Hammers world of his passing, many personal tributes have been flooding in.

James Collins said: "Oi Big Boy...what's your name," as a nod to his song, as well as writing: "What a man. RIP LUDO xx."

Former Hammers keeper Adrian said: "What a legend, what a man, what a keeper. Big Ludo RIP."

"Rest in peace Ludo," said Marlon Harewood. "Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends."

Lukasz Fabianski wrote: "RIP Ludo", whilst Paul Konchesky said: "RIP Ludo, legend! Condolences to the family."

Bobby Zamora left two love heart emojis, whilst Matt Jarvis wrote: "So sad RIP."

James Tomkins also left a heartfelt message, saying: "Such sad news. Ludo you will always be a legend and someone I looked up to! Rest In Peace."

In another mark of love and respect, Martin Miklosko, son of Ludek, has paid tribute to his father and indeed the West Ham community as a whole.

What did Martin Miklosko say about West Ham after his father's passing?

When a player spends as long as Miklosko did at one club, and forms a bond with the fans in the way he did, that leaves a legacy for life.

Tales of his West Ham exploits will be passed down from generation to generation of Irons supporters, and not least his own family.

Published via West Ham's official club website, Miklosko's son Martin has told of just how fond his father was of the Hammers.

"We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my Dad Luděk, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer," Martin said.

"On behalf of my Mum and my family, I would like to sincerely thank the fans and everyone at West Ham United Football Club for the kind wishes, thoughts and prayers that were sent to my Dad during his illness.

"We know that the many messages and wishes from his former teammates and fans alike were a huge sense of comfort to him in his battle with cancer, and gave him the strength to not give up and keep fighting for as long as he could.

"We are heartbroken at his loss, but take huge comfort from the immense support he received from all of you, along with the knowledge that he is now at peace and no longer suffering.

"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."

From everyone at West Ham Zone, rest in peace 'Ludo'.