QPR striker breaks English football record ahead of facing Saints

Daily Echo · By Dan Hargraves

Kone, 23, incredibly netted three goals within the first 15 minutes of the Hoops' 5-0 win at Loftus Road, the fastest since records began in the 2004/05 season.

It took the Ivorian less than two minutes to net his first of the afternoon before doubling QPR's lead seven minutes later.

He then completed the hat-trick with a penalty, claiming the accolade.

The earliest hat-trick in EFL history from Richard Kone 💨 https://t.co/6ixIWj6CP0

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 24, 2026

Former Saints winger Sadio Mane still holds the record for the quickest hat-trick within any point of a match, scoring three in two minutes and 56 seconds against Aston Villa in 2015.

Swansea had started the Championship weekend top of the league but dropped down to second after their third loss of the season and Middlesbrough's 5-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers.

Saints host QPR and Kone at St Mary's on Saturday, with Julien Stephan's team currently eighth in the table.

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QPR striker breaks English football record ahead of facing Saints | The Dugout