Miklosko made almost 400 appearances for West Ham between 1990 and 1998 and remained a beloved figure among supporters, who continued to sing his name long after his playing career at the club ended. He later returned to the Hammers as a goalkeeping coach.
The Czech had withdrawn from cancer treatment in December 2024, three years after his diagnosis, before returning to West Ham's London Stadium days later for a Premier League match against Liverpool, where he received a hero's reception.
A West Ham United 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 will hold a period of appreciation before kick-off in their Carabao Cup third-round match away at Fulham on Tuesday, and will dedicate their next home Championship fixture, against QPR on 9 October, to his memory. Miklosko made 57 league appearances for QPR between 1998 and 2001 before retiring.
His son, Martin Miklosko, paid tribute on behalf of the family. "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of my dad Ludek, following a brave and courageous battle with cancer," he said. "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 at the club, a campaign that also saw the Hammers reach the FA Cup semi-finals and Miklosko named the club's Hammer of the Year.
He is best remembered for his performance on the final day of the 1994-95 season, when West Ham held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Upton Park in a result that denied United the title, handing it instead to Blackburn Rovers.
Miklosko also attended West Ham's Conference League triumph in Prague in 2023, where he was serenaded by fans during a lap of the pitch before kick-off. He won 42 caps for the Czech Republic and former Czechoslovakia combined, and ended his career as head of the sports department at former club Banik Ostrava, where he had spent eight years as a player before joining West Ham.