Abel Luís da Silva Costa Xavier, pron. , (born November 30, 1972 in Nampula, Mozambique) is a professional footballer and international for Portugal. Xavier is widely regarded as a utility back player but fits the role of a holding midfielder when the necessity arises. Although still regarded as one of the original stalwarts of the Portuguese National team, Xavier's reputation as a footballer has waned and he will, probably, largely be remembered as one of the many players who never fulfilled his potential as well as for his eccentric hairstyles, although he is rebuilding his reputation as a goalscoring defender for Middlesbrough FC.