Gisele Bündchen‘s romance with her jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente has been confirmed to have started in June, blossoming slowly post-divorce from her ex-husband, Tom Brady.
According to a report, Bündchen values their shared Brazilian roots, healthy lifestyle, and similar backgrounds.
Despite public scrutiny, the supermodel prioritizes her well-being and also supports Brady’s happiness amid his rumored romance with Irina Shayk.
Gisele Bündchen’s And Joaquim Valente Reportedly Started Dating In June
According to People magazine, an insider confirmed that “The Devil Wears Prada” star Bündchen and Joaquim Valente’s romance began in June, but they “started out as great friends first.” The source added that the couple are “taking it slow” and that Bündchen “wanted to keep it quiet while they got to know each other.”
A second source revealed that Bündchen and the jiu-jitsu instructor’s bond deepened organically over time, particularly during her divorce.
“He was a huge comfort for Gisele while she went through her divorce. Their friendship turned romantic after the divorce,” the insider shared.
“Joaquim is a great guy. He is down-to-earth, kind, and inspiring. Gisele was hesitant about dating after the divorce. It’s been very natural for her to date Joaquim,” they added.
The insider also noted that Bündchen loves that Valente “is Brazilian” like herself.
They told the news outlet: “They come from similar backgrounds. They both left Brazil very young. They have both created amazing lives for themselves in the U.S. They both love Miami but also enjoy traveling. They both enjoy healthy living. Gisele’s in a great space. She is happy and very much enjoying life. Joaquim is perfect for her.”
Gisele Bündchen And Joaquim Valente’s Vacation Together In Costa Rica
As disclosed by an insider to the outlet in January 2023, Bündchen and Valente had been “spending a lot of time” in each other’s company and even embarked on joint multiple trips to Costa Rica. Despite their closeness at the time, their relationship had not yet progressed beyond friendship.
Their first public appearance together traces back to November 2022, during a vacation in Costa Rica.
The outing marked a significant moment, as it happened shortly after Bündchen and her former spouse, NFL legend Tom Brady, officially started their divorce proceedings on October 28, 2022, ending their 13-year marriage.
The former couple shares two children; Son Benjamin Rein, 14, and daughter Vivian Lake, 11. Brady, 46, has an older son, Jack, 16, from his previous relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan.
The Supermodel Initially Denied Romance With Joaquim Valente
Although now confirmed to be a couple, Bündchen sidestepped inquiries about the alleged romance during an interview with Vanity Fair last March.
Addressing the persistent rumors, the model told the publication at the time: “I think, at this point, unfortunately, because I’m divorced, I’m sure that they’re going to try to attach me to anything.”
Despite the swirling speculations, she praised Valente and his brothers Pedro and Gui, who co-manage the Valente Brothers Jiu-Jitsu studio.
Highlighting the profound impact the jiu-jitsu instructor and his brothers have had on her life and that of her children, she stated: “I’m so grateful to know all of them because not only have they helped me and helped my kids, but they have become great friends, and Joaquim especially.”
“He’s our teacher and, most importantly, he’s a person that I admire and that I trust. It’s so good to have that kind of energy, to have my kids around that type of energy,” Bündchen added.
Gisele Bündchen ‘Happy’ For Her Ex-Husband Budding Romance With Model Irina Shayk
Last July, following speculations of a potential summer fling between Brady and model Irina Shayk, an insider who spoke to People at the time revealed that Bündchen was “on holiday in Brazil at the moment and is living her life, but she’s said in the past that she just wants him [Brady] to be happy.”
During a chat with the news outlet in September, Bündchen delved into her personal philosophy and the importance of self-care, noting: “When you feel good, you’re a better mom, you’re a better friend, you’re calmer, you’re more patient, you’re more loving, you’re more grounded. So you can’t feel guilty about prioritizing yourself.”
She emphasized that one’s well-being directly impacts those around them, adding: “Because that’s loving you and loving the people you love the most, which are going to be impacted by how well you are. Because if you’re sick, everyone’s hurt.”
Brady and Bündchen now seem to have completely moved on from each other and efficiently co-parent their kids without drama.