Liverpool legend Abel Xavier looks super suave with incredible new look

Despite moving from Everton to Liverpool, Abel Xavier is best remembered for his iconic appearance and these days the former Portugal defender looks even more flamboyant than ever

Posted Monday, January 17, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk

As a footballer, you would think being one of the select few players to cross the Merseyside divide would be what people remember you for, but when it comes to Abel Xavier, that simply isn't the case.

The Portuguese defender hit the headlines when he made the controversial move from Everton to Liverpool back in January of 2002, but that wasn't the only thing that got people talking.

It was, in fact, the Mozambique-born maverick's iconic image which is what he's most synonymous with.

Back in the early 2000s, Xavier sported an eye-catching look which saw bleached-blonde hair paired with a bleached-blonde beard to create an unforgettable masterpiece.

And as you're about to find out, like a fine wine, the Liverpool legend has only got better with age.

Abel Xavier was best remembered at Liverpool for his blonde hair and beard combo

Born in Mozambique, Xavier moved to Portugal as a child before his big break in football came when he joined Portuguese top division side Estrela da Amadora.

Having impressed in the top-flight, Xavier earned a move to Benfica, helping them to the Primeira Liga title in 1994.

Following short spells with Bari, Real Oviedo and PSV, the full-back then brought a bit of colour to the Premier League, signing for Everton for a £1.5million fee back in September 1999.

Liverpool legend Abel Xavier looks super suave with incredible new look

After making 49 appearances over two-a-and-half seasons with the Toffees, Xavier then joined an exclusive club as he made the move to fierce rivals Liverpool, providing cover for the injured Markus Babbel.

While he only went on to make 21 appearances for the Reds, the Portuguese defender's eccentric image cemented his place in Anfield folklore and secured cult hero status.

A journeyman career saw Xavier later play in Turkey, Germany and Italy, as well as a second stint in England with Middlesborough and final hurrah in the MLS alongside David Beckham at LA Galaxy.

These days Xavier has given his classic look a more modern, suave upgrade

The defender - as eye-catching off the pitch as on it - didn't just hit the headlines due to his hair throughout his turbulent career.

Xavier was once slapped with a six-month ban after exploding in rage during Portugal's 2000 European Championship semi-final clash with France and missed another 18 months after testing positive for a banned substance while at Boro.

And though you may well think those exploits might have taken their toll on Xavier, that clearly isn't the case. In fact, if anything, he's blossomed, these days appearing more flamboyant than ever before.

While his matching bright blonde locks and facial hair remain, Xavier has opted for a sophisticated and suave new twist.

The 49-year-old, who has just received his UEFA Pro Licence in coaching and recently coached Mozambique, has refined the beard to a more stylish moustache and matching goatee combination, while maintaining frosted-tips for his wavy locks.