Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente’s relationship started off friendly before turning romantic.
Bündchen shared that she first connected with the jiu-jitsu instructor after enrolling her and Tom Brady’s son, Benjamin, in Valente’s martial arts academy in Miami. (Brady and Bündchen also share daughter Vivian.)
“It’s actually because of my son that I met Joaquim,” the model said to Dust magazine in 2021. “I have a friend who told me about the Valente brothers and their martial art school, and since I wanted to steer my almost teenage son in the right direction, I thought he might be interested in this.”
After bringing in Benjamin, Bündchen also started getting involved in the workout classes. Bündchen and Valente formed a friendship as they worked out together. Their connection grew stronger after Bündchen and Brady called it quits in October 2022 following 13 years of marriage.
While Bündchen and Valente were spotted on several outings together following her breakup, she and the fitness instructor didn’t start dating until a year later.
“Joaquim was there for Gisele through her divorce, as a friend, and they turned romantic this past summer,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in February 2024. Bündchen and Valente welcomed their first baby in February 2025.
Keep scrolling for Bündchen and Valente’s relationship timeline:
2021
Bündchen and Valente did a photo shoot together for Dust magazine. The Victoria’s Secret Angel opened up about how getting involved in martial arts helped her with her well-being.
“I became really interested in the philosophy [behind practicing jiu-jitsu],” she told the outlet. “It felt very much in line with what I believe in and look for in my life, and how I have a path to develop and become the best version of myself.”
Valente, for his part, gushed about how great it was to work with Bündchen and see her improve.
“I think what happened with Gisele is that she was already aligned with our philosophy,” Valente told Dust. “She always looked to live her life in a way that was looking to improve herself as a person, and once she understood the philosophy of the 753 code [a set of principles that’ll allow you to find peace, happiness and understanding], I think it clicked with a mission and a path that she was already on.”
February 2022
Bündchen posted a video of her and Valente training via social media.
“I believe the more tools we have in our toolbox the better. I feel stronger, more [confident] and empowered since I started practicing self-defense,” she captioned a reel of her and Valente at his gym. “I feel it’s an important skill for all, but specially for us women. Thank you @ValenteBrothers for being awesome teachers and for making training so much fun. I am looking forward to keep improving. Let’s go! 🤛🏼.”
November 2022
One month after news broke of her divorce, Bündchen was spotted with Valente during a family getaway to Costa Rica.
April 2023
Bündchen addressed the speculation about her relationship with Valente, shutting down the romance rumors.
“I think, at this point, unfortunately, because I’m divorced, I’m sure that [people will] try to attach me to anything,” she said in a Vanity Fair cover story. “I’m so grateful to know [Joaquim and his siblings], because not only have they helped me and helped my kids, but they have become great friends, and Joaquim especially. … It’s so good to have that kind of energy, to have my kids around that type of energy.”
Summer 2023
The couple’s connection turned romantic months later.
February 2024
Bündchen and Valente were photographed packing on the PDA during Valentine’s Day, per the Daily Mail.
March 2024
Bündchen cleared the air and shared that she and Valente never had a romantic connection while she was married to Brady.
“This is something that happens to a lot of women who get blamed when they have the courage to leave an unhealthy relationship and are labeled as being unfaithful,” she said in an interview with the New York Times. “They have to deal with their communities. They have to deal with their family.”
October 2024
People broke the news that Bündchen and Valente were expecting their first baby.
“Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they’re looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family,” a source told the outlet.
February 2025
TMZ reported on February 5 that Bündchen gave birth to baby No. 3, her first with Valente.
May 2025
Bündchen gave fans a glimpse at her and Valente’s baby via Instagram in honor of Mother’s Day. “I’ve been quiet over here but very busy living life,” she wrote alongside photos of her time at home. “Sometimes, the most beautiful moments aren’t shared — they’re simply lived.”
The supermodel held onto her little one, who wore a “I heart mom” onesie in one snap, sharing, “Lately, I’ve been embracing the slower rhythms, the real connections, the beauty in the lessons that come with being present. Today, on Mother’s Day, I especially miss my mom, but my heart is full.”
She added, “Being a mother it’s been my greatest gift, a journey that humbles me, teaches me, and fills me with gratitude every single day. To all the mothers out there, your love shapes the world in ways words can’t describe. I see you, I honor you. Happy mother’s day! Sending so much love your way! ❤️.”
