Abdel, the Real Sociedad barber at Zubieta, from 'Turri' lists to the failed dye of Barrene | OneFootball

Abdel Kharbpuch, known as 'Rifle', has become Real Sociedad’s go-to barber and a quiet presence around their Copa del Rey triumph in Seville. According to Diario Vasco, the Madrid-based stylist is now a regular at Zubieta.

Before the final he had packed up when Pablo Marín asked for a quick trim to avoid a fine. Abdel added two hairlines and joked they would be for victory. After the win, Marín hunted him down to say it had worked.

Abdel laughs at the superstition and claims no credit, though players call him their amulet. He has worked with Spain under-21 for five years, met 'Turri', Barrenetxea and Sergio Gómez there, and followed Gómez to Donostia two seasons ago.

On trips, Turrientes or Sergio make a list, 'Rifle' flies in, cuts at the team hotel, then watches the match. His first assignment was in Madrid, working on half the squad and staff, while Matarazzo still resists the chair.

Days before the final, Barrenetxea used another barber and ended up with an itchy, chicken-yellow dye. A week later in Vallecas, Abdel shaved him and redid the colour, doing Turrientes the same day in Madrid.

He owns barbershops in Goya and a university area in Madrid but is rarely there. 'Rifle' awaits next World Cup plans and does not rule out joining Spain’s senior set-up. With La Real he plans more trips, and he and Turrientes will dye half white, half blue if they reach next season’s Europa League final.

Source: Diario Vasco