Love often unfolds in the most unexpected ways, and for supermodel Gisele Bündchen, it has led her down a new and fulfilling path following her split from NFL star Tom Brady. Since their separation, Gisele has found a new chapter in her life, one that is filled with love, family, and fresh opportunities, all shared with her partner, jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente.
In early 2024, Gisele and Joaquim marked a major milestone in their relationship by welcoming their first child together, a son named River. This joyful announcement, first reported by TMZ in February 2024, came just days after the couple reportedly embarked on their journey as a new family. Sources close to Gisele have confirmed that both the supermodel and her newborn son are in good health.
Gisele and Joaquim’s bond began long before it blossomed into romance. Their connection first emerged in 2021 when Gisele enrolled her children, Benjamin and Vivian, at Joaquim’s jiu-jitsu academy in Miami. Initially a professional relationship centered on her children’s martial arts training, it gradually evolved into something deeper.
After Gisele finalized her divorce from Tom Brady in November 2022, her friendship with Joaquim became a source of significant emotional support. It was during this time, as she navigated the complexities of her new life, that their friendship naturally developed into a romantic relationship.
Sources reveal that Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente have been in a relationship since June 2023. The couple chose to keep their romance private, preferring to take their time and truly understand one another away from the intense scrutiny of the public eye. This deliberate approach has allowed their connection to deepen in a more natural and meaningful way.
What initially brought them together, according to insiders, is their strikingly similar backgrounds. Both Gisele and Joaquim left Brazil at a young age and have since built successful lives in the United States. They share a love for Miami, enjoy traveling, and are committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A source close to the couple described Joaquim as a “great guy” who is “down to earth, kind, and inspiring.” It was also noted that Gisele had been cautious about entering a new relationship following her divorce, which makes her bond with Joaquim feel particularly authentic and effortless. Their relationship seems to be based on a true connection, rooted in shared values and life experiences.
Joaquim, along with his brothers Pedro and Gui, co-founded the highly regarded Valente Brothers Academy in Miami in the 1990s. The academy has become a well-known institution, where the Valente brothers share their passion for martial arts and train others in their craft.
Joaquim Valente’s dedication to martial arts runs deep. He was introduced to Brazilian jiu-jitsu before he could even walk, beginning his lessons at the age of two. Under the guidance of the legendary Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, Joaquim earned his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt in 2007, a testament to his skill and unwavering commitment to the discipline.
His role as a teacher extended beyond Gisele’s children. In 2021, Gisele herself became a student at the Valente Brothers Academy. Initially, she had no intention of participating in the lessons, but after observing Joaquim teach her children, her perspective shifted. She realized that Brazilian jiu-jitsu was about much more than self-defense; it was a way to develop herself mentally and physically.
Gisele later described the practice as being “very much in line with what I believe in and look for in my life.” She found it to be a valuable tool for personal growth, noting how it helped her become “stronger, more confident, and empowered.” She publicly thanked the Valente brothers for being “awesome teachers” and making the experience “so much fun.”
Even before their relationship became romantic, Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente shared several travels together. In November 2022, just two weeks after finalizing her divorce from Tom Brady, the couple took a trip to Costa Rica with Gisele’s children. The vacation allowed the kids to continue their jiu-jitsu training, while the trip initially sparked rumors about a potential romance. However, at the time, their connection was strictly platonic.
Joaquim is not only dedicated to martial arts but also a man of intellectual depth. He holds a criminology degree from Barry University, having moved to Miami in 2007 to pursue his studies in the field. His diverse interests extend beyond martial arts, showcasing his broad intellectual curiosity. His brothers also share a strong academic background, holding master’s degrees in business and sports management.
The couple’s relationship has clearly evolved into something very serious, as evidenced by the arrival of their son, River. In October 2024, a source confirmed that the couple was expecting, sharing that Gisele and Joaquim were “excited about this new chapter in their life and eager to create a peaceful and loving environment for their family.”
Gisele Bündchen made sure to handle the news of her pregnancy with sensitivity, reportedly informing Tom Brady before it was made public. She also took the time to share the exciting update with their two children, Benjamin and Vivian, ensuring they heard the news directly from her.
In addition to this joyful news, Gisele and Joaquim Valente recently made a major joint purchase: a luxurious new yacht. Schaefer Yachts, the company behind the vessel, celebrated the occasion with an online video congratulating the new parents. The post’s caption read, “Congratulations to Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente on welcoming their gorgeous new Schaefer V44—just in time to celebrate the arrival of their newborn! May this stunning yacht be the perfect setting for creating treasured new memories!” While Joaquim was featured in photos with Schaefer Yachts officials, Gisele was not pictured, though the couple was tagged in the post.
The timing of this extravagant purchase is particularly notable, coming just days after Tom Brady reportedly bought a $3 million watch for their son, Benjamin. Brady’s gift, a Jacob & Co. Billionaire Mini Ashoka watch, is one of only eighteen ever made. He reportedly presented the watch to Benjamin while preparing for the Super Bowl, sharing the moment in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente were recently seen sharing a romantic moment aboard a boat cruising through Miami’s scenic waterways. As their yacht passed under a bridge, they exchanged a sweet kiss. Interestingly, this location was reportedly “not far from a very familiar address.”
That address turned out to be Tom Brady’s waterfront mansion on Indian Creek Island, an exclusive neighborhood often referred to as the “Billionaire Bunker.” The mansion, which overlooks Biscayne Bay, is strategically positioned along several popular yachting routes.
The closeness of their homes has reportedly become a sensitive issue. Tom Brady, who finalized his divorce from Gisele in 2022 after 13 years of marriage, is reportedly contemplating selling his Miami mansion for a considerable sum, with private offers already surpassing $150 million.
The estate, completed after the divorce, was initially intended to be the couple’s marital home, and Gisele played a significant role in its planning. Sources suggest that witnessing Gisele’s new life unfold just across the canal is proving to be challenging for the NFL legend.
According to a report from RadarOnline.com, Tom Brady has listed his $150 million waterfront mansion on Indian Creek Island, known as the “Billionaire Bunker,” for sale. The decision reportedly stems from his inability to “stomach” living near his ex-wife, Gisele Bündchen, Joaquim Valente, and their newborn son. A source close to Brady shared, “Every time he looks out across the water, he sees Gisele’s renovated home and her seemingly perfect life with her martial arts partner and their new baby, and it brings him down.”
The source continued, explaining Tom’s emotional state, saying, “He can’t take it anymore.” They added, “He wants to sell the house because it reminds him of Gisele. She was the one who led the remodeling, and it bears her style and personal touches. He still feels her presence everywhere.”
Reports suggest Brady intends to remain in Miami but is searching for a new home “somewhere where he can have peace.” His mansion, which boasts several luxurious additions including a private boat dock, a pickleball court, and a vegetable garden, is a significant asset.
Indian Creek Island is an exclusive enclave, accessible only via a guarded bridge, with 24-hour security covering land, air, and sea. The 300-acre island houses just 34 estates, each valued at a median of $20 million, solidifying its reputation as a haven for the ultra-wealthy.
Originally planned as a 17,000-square-foot home, Tom Brady’s residence on Indian Creek Island expanded to 20,200 square feet after his divorce. He acquired the land for $17 million, with an additional $10.12 million spent on construction. Reports from 2023 revealed that Brady took out a $35 million construction loan to transform the property into a two-story bachelor pad.
In a further development of his life post-divorce, Brady is reportedly renovating a 14,000-square-foot home in Brentwood, California. This move could signal a shift towards the West Coast, where he will begin his new role as an NFL analyst for FOX Sports this fall, alongside his part-ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders.
While Tom has remained publicly silent about Gisele’s pregnancy and the birth of their child, he has opted to focus on his career, his children, and his personal life. An insider told DailyMail.com that Brady finds it “easier to be single right now” as he enters his first year as a sports commentator.
Sources have also shed light on Tom’s dating life post-divorce. An insider revealed in December 2024 that Brady wasn’t actively dating when Gisele gave birth, feeling “a little lonely and sorry for himself.” Another source suggested that Tom’s personality may be a factor in his difficulties navigating the dating scene.
According to a source, Tom Brady’s dating life has been complicated by his perceived awkwardness. The insider shared, “He’d be more popular with women if he wasn’t so awkward. They lose interest quickly.” The source further explained, “He doesn’t realize he’s the problem. He’s so self-absorbed, self-pitying, and not what you’d call a romantic guy.”
Despite these challenges, Tom has been romantically linked to several high-profile women. Most recently, he was reported by Page Six to have “rekindled” his relationship with model Irina Shayk, just days after Gisele began her new family with Joaquim. This development highlights the parallel paths both Tom and Gisele are navigating since their separation.
Beyond his personal life, Tom remains fully immersed in the sports and business world. He continues to build his career with FOX Sports as an NFL analyst and is actively involved in his fitness and wellness ventures, particularly through his TB12 brand. Tom remains focused on his business interests, keeping a strong connection to the sport in every way possible.
Amid the public attention on various aspects of their post-divorce lives, both Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady have reportedly approached this period with grace, particularly when it comes to their children. The couple shares two children: Benjamin, 15, and Vivian, 12. Tom also has a 17-year-old son, Jack, from a previous relationship.
Tom has consistently emphasized the importance of providing a stable and loving environment for their children throughout this transition. Similarly, Gisele has shared her perspective on the natural and gradual evolution of her relationship with Joaquim Valente, which grew from a solid foundation of friendship.
Life after divorce can bring both challenges and fresh starts. For Gisele, this new chapter includes the warmth of her family with Joaquim Valente, marked by everything from jiu-jitsu mats to romantic boat rides, and the joy of welcoming a new baby—all unfolding just across the water from the life she once shared with Tom.
As Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady continue to chart their individual courses, each with new relationships, expanding families, evolving careers, and shifting geographic focuses, their journey offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of public figures navigating the deeply personal process of finding happiness and peace after a major life transition.
