Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente’s Journey from Platonic Friendship to Marriage
The relationship between Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente began as a platonic friendship before evolving into a romantic partnership.
Bündchen explained that she first encountered the jiu-jitsu instructor when she enrolled her son, Benjamin (whom she shares with ex-husband Tom Brady), at Valente's martial arts facility in Miami. (Bündchen and Brady are also parents to a daughter named Vivian.)
"I met Joaquim thanks to my son," the model told Dust magazine in 2021. "A friend of mine mentioned the Valente brothers and their martial arts academy, and as I wished to guide my near-teenage son toward a positive path, I believed he might be interested."
After enrolling Benjamin, Bündchen herself began participating in the training sessions. Bündchen and Valente developed a rapport while exercising together. Their bond deepened after Bündchen and Brady separated in October 2022, concluding their 13-year marriage.
Although Bündchen and Valente were seen together multiple times after her divorce, the supermodel and the fitness professional didn't begin their romantic relationship until approximately one year after her separation.
"Joaquim supported Gisele as a friend during her divorce, and their relationship became romantic last summer," an insider revealed exclusively to Us Weekly in February 2024. Bündchen and Valente celebrated the birth of their first child together in February 2025.
Continue reading for a chronological overview of Bündchen and Valente's relationship progression:
2021
Bündchen and Valente collaborated on a photo session for Dust magazine. The former Victoria’s Secret model discussed how practicing martial arts positively impacted her mental and physical health.
"I developed a significant interest in the philosophy underlying jiu-jitsu," she shared with the publication. "It resonated strongly with my core beliefs and personal aspirations, aligning with my journey toward self-improvement and becoming my best self."
Valente, in turn, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with Bündchen and witnessing her progress.
“In my opinion, Gisele was already in sync with our core values,” Valente stated in the interview with Dust. “She consistently sought personal growth throughout her life, and once she grasped the principles of the 753 code [a framework for achieving peace, happiness, and comprehension], it naturally connected with her existing life goals and trajectory.”
February 2022
Bündchen shared a video on social media showing herself training with Valente.
"Having more skills at our disposal is always beneficial, in my view. I've gained strength, confidence, and empowerment since beginning self-defense training," she wrote alongside a video featuring her and Valente at his academy. "I consider this to be an essential skill for everyone, particularly for women. I'm grateful to @ValenteBrothers for being excellent instructors and making training enjoyable. I am excited to continue learning. Let's do this!"
November 2022
Just one month after her divorce became public, Bündchen was photographed with Valente during a family vacation to Costa Rica.
April 2023
Bündchen responded to rumors regarding her connection with Valente, dismissing any speculation of a romantic relationship.
“Given my recent divorce, I believe people will unfortunately attempt to link me to anyone,” she stated in a Vanity Fair cover interview. “I am very thankful for my relationship with [Joaquim and his siblings], as they have provided assistance to both me and my children, evolving into close friends, particularly Joaquim. … It’s wonderful to be surrounded by such positive energy, and for my children to experience it firsthand.”
Summer 2023
The pair's bond shifted into a romantic relationship several months after that.
February 2024
According to the Daily Mail, Bündchen and Valente were pictured engaging in public displays of affection on Valentine's Day.
March 2024
Bündchen clarified rumors, stating that she and Valente did not have a romantic involvement while she was still married to Brady.
“This situation frequently occurs with many women who are unjustly criticized when they choose to exit a toxic relationship, and are falsely accused of infidelity,” she explained in an interview with the New York Times. “They face judgment from both their social circles and their families.”
October 2024
People magazine first reported that Bündchen and Valente were anticipating the birth of their first child together.
"Gisele and Joaquim are excited about this next phase of their lives and are focused on cultivating a calm and nurturing space for their entire family," a source informed the publication.
February 2025
On February 5, TMZ announced that Bündchen had given birth to her third child overall, and her first with Valente.
May 2025
Bündchen shared photos of her and Valente's baby on Instagram for Mother's Day. "I haven't posted much recently because I've been focused on truly living life," she captioned images from home. "Occasionally, the most precious experiences are those kept private, rather than broadcast publicly."
The supermodel held her infant, who was dressed in an "I heart mom" onesie in one picture. She wrote, "Recently, I have been appreciating slower paces, authentic connections, and the valuable lessons learned from being truly present. On this Mother's Day, I deeply miss my mother, yet my heart feels complete."
She continued, "Motherhood has proven to be my most significant blessing, a path that instills humility, imparts knowledge, and fills me with daily gratitude. To every mother, your affection influences the world in ways beyond words. I recognize and celebrate you. Happy Mother's Day! Sending abundant love."
December 2025
A marriage certificate secured by Us Weekly indicates that Bündchen and Valente acquired their marriage license in Miami on December 1, and formalized their union on December 3.
