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Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente have established a life together since the supermodel’s 2022 separation from Tom Brady. What started as a friendship through Valente’s jiu-jitsu instruction eventually grew into a romance, and the pair welcomed their first child together in early 2025, reportedly exchanging vows later that year.
The couple’s new baby joins Bündchen’s two older children, son Benjamin Rein and daughter Vivian Lake, whom she co-parents with Brady. In a Father’s Day message shared in June 2026, Bündchen lauded Valente as an “incredible role model” and expressed gratitude for the “love, humility, integrity, discipline, kindness, and consistency” he contributes to their family. While Bündchen and Valente have largely maintained a low profile regarding their relationship, they have become one of Hollywood’s most discussed couples since first being associated in late 2022.
Following Bündchen’s divorce from the former NFL quarterback in October 2022, she was seen with Valente the subsequent November. Initially, dating speculation arose, but the couple clarified their platonic status. Their friendship eventually evolved into a romantic connection, and they commenced dating discreetly in mid-2023. “He provided significant support for Gisele during her divorce proceedings,” an insider revealed to the publication in February. The source further indicated that Bündchen and Valente began their romantic involvement after her divorce was finalized.
“Joaquim is a wonderful individual,” the source continued. “He is grounded, compassionate, and inspiring. Gisele was hesitant about dating again after the divorce, but her relationship with Joaquim has felt very organic.”
Discover more about Gisele’s spouse below!
Joaquim Comes From a Family of Jūjutsu Practitioners
“Across a period of 67 years, three generations of the Valente family have dedicated themselves to jūjutsu under the direct guidance of the esteemed grandmaster Hélio Gracie,” states the family history section on the Valente Brothers’ website. “Dr. Syllo Valente and his brother, General Eliezer Valente, were the first in their lineage to embrace jūjutsu. A Japanese acquaintance introduced the brothers to fundamental self-defense principles in the 1920s. When Carlos and Hélio Gracie established their renowned Academia Gracie in downtown Rio de Janeiro in 1952, it was not long before the Valentes enrolled.”
“The Valente brothers were immersed in the jūjutsu tradition from birth,” the site notes. “Pedro, Gui, and Joaquim began their jūjutsu training under their father’s instruction before they could even walk. At the mere age of two, Pedro, Gui, and Joaquim were already receiving private lessons from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie. Throughout their upbringing, the Valente brothers trained daily at the Gracie Academy in Rio de Janeiro, under the mentorship of Hélio, Royler, and Rolker Gracie. Pedro Sr. always envisioned his sons mastering jūjutsu as a comprehensive fighting discipline.”
In addition to martial arts, Joaquim shares Brazilian heritage with Gisele. Reports from February 2024 indicated that their “similar backgrounds” are a quality the model values.
“They both departed Brazil at a very young age,” a source informed the publication. “They have both built remarkable lives for themselves in the U.S. They share a love for Miami and also enjoy traveling. Both prioritize healthy living. Gisele is in a fantastic phase. She is content and fully embracing life. Joaquim is the ideal partner for her.”
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He Is Well Educated
“The youngest of the Valente Brothers, Joaquim, relocated to Miami in 2007 to pursue studies in criminology at Barry University,” according to the family’s website. A LinkedIn profile associated with Joaquim indicates his attendance at Barry University from 2007 to 2011. During his academic tenure, Joaquim trained under Grand Master Hélio Gracie.
“In 2007, Joaquim also received the Professors’ Diploma from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie,” the family’s website states. “This was a significant achievement and a profound honor for the brothers, considering that in the 75 years prior, only 27 individuals had been awarded this diploma by Grandmaster Hélio Gracie.”
Joaquim Lives in Miami
Joaquim’s LinkedIn profile indicates his residence in Miami Beach, Florida. Gisele has resided in Florida since Tom’s move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. In late February 2024, an insider shared with Page Six that Joaquim had been spending most nights at her Miami residence following the passing of her mother, Vania Nonnenmacher, in late January 2024, becoming her “rock.” The source also noted an increase in their public displays of affection. “They were keeping things discreet, but recently there have been more PDAs; they are comfortable showing affection publicly,” the source told the outlet.
He & Gisele Were Initially ‘Great Friends’
Gisele possesses knowledge of Brazilian jiu-jitsu – a surprising fact for many! She has even sparred with Joaquim. In a video she shared on her Instagram, Gisele demonstrated her proficiency in the sport to her followers. She offered a glimpse of her abilities while endorsing the Valente facility in Miami. “I believe the more tools we have in our arsenal, the better. I feel stronger, more confident, and empowered since I began practicing self-defense,” she stated on Instagram. “I consider it a vital skill for everyone, but particularly for women. Thank you, @ValenteBrothers, for being exceptional instructors and for making training so enjoyable. I am eager to continue improving. Let’s go!”
The pair has maintained a very private relationship, but People reported further details about their romance in February 2024.
“They have been romantically involved since June [2023],” an insider disclosed to the publication. “They are proceeding cautiously. They initially developed a strong friendship. She is very protective of this aspect of her life and wished to keep it private while they were getting to know each other.”
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He’s Been Teaching Gisele & Her Kids Martial Arts
“I have always been an inquisitive and exploratory individual, keen on delving deeper,” Gisele shared in a feature for Dust magazine, where she showcased various throws and poses while adorned in glamorous attire. “It was actually through my son that I encountered Joaquim. A friend mentioned the Valente brothers and their martial arts school, and as I sought to guide my son, who was approaching his teenage years, in a positive direction, I thought he might find it appealing.”
“Initially, I wasn’t even contemplating it for myself, to be entirely truthful,” Gisele admitted. “However, upon bringing [Ben] to his first class and engaging in conversation with Joaquim, I realized it offered far more than just self-defense.” Gisele also mentioned that her daughter, Vivienne, has also taken up jiu-jitsu.