In exciting news, supermodel Gisele Bündchen and her boyfriend, Joaquim Valente, are expecting their first child together. The couple, who have been in a low-key relationship, is looking forward to the next chapter of their lives as they prepare to welcome a new addition to their family. This will be Bündchen’s third child, as she already shares two children, Benjamin Rein and Vivian Lake, with her ex-husband and former NFL star, Tom Brady.
Here’s a closer look at Joaquim Valente, his background, and the unique bond that he shares with Gisele Bündchen.
Gisele and Joaquim’s Journey: From Friends to Lovers
After Gisele’s highly publicized divorce from Tom Brady in October 2022, she was spotted with Joaquim Valente in November of the same year. Rumors of a romantic relationship started to swirl, but at the time, the couple maintained that they were just friends. It wasn’t until mid-2023 that their friendship blossomed into something more, and they began dating quietly.
Sources close to the couple revealed that Joaquim provided Gisele with much-needed support during her difficult divorce. He became a comforting presence in her life, helping her navigate through the emotional challenges she faced. According to insiders, the transition from friendship to romance felt natural for Gisele, who had initially been hesitant to date again after her split from Tom Brady.
The Valente Family Legacy in Jūjutsu
Joaquim Valente comes from a family deeply rooted in the art of jūjutsu. His family has been practicing this martial art for three generations under the guidance of the legendary Grandmaster Hélio Gracie. The Valente brothers, including Joaquim, were immersed in jūjutsu from a young age, learning the craft from their father and eventually from the Gracie family in Rio de Janeiro.
Joaquim and his brothers, Pedro and Gui, were trained at the Gracie Academy, where they learned jūjutsu from renowned martial artists like Hélio, Royler, and Rolker Gracie. This strong foundation in martial arts not only shaped Joaquim’s life but also allowed him to pass on his knowledge to others, including Gisele and her children.
Gisele’s Connection to Jūjutsu
Interestingly, Gisele’s connection to Joaquim started through martial arts. It was Gisele’s son, Benjamin, who initially sparked her interest in jūjutsu. Gisele had been looking for a positive outlet for her son, and a friend recommended the Valente Brothers’ martial arts school in Miami. During Benjamin’s first class, Gisele met Joaquim, and the two quickly bonded over their shared passion for health and self-improvement.
Soon after, Gisele herself started practicing jūjutsu under Joaquim’s guidance. She shared her enthusiasm for the sport on social media, highlighting the physical and mental empowerment it provided her. In one of her Instagram posts, Gisele wrote about how practicing self-defense made her feel stronger, more confident, and empowered. She also emphasized the importance of learning self-defense, especially for women.
Gisele’s daughter, Vivian, also joined the training sessions, making jūjutsu a family activity. Joaquim’s role as their instructor helped him develop a deeper connection with Gisele and her children, further strengthening their bond.
Joaquim’s Background and Education
In addition to his martial arts expertise, Joaquim Valente is well-educated. He moved to Miami in 2007 to study criminology at Barry University, where he graduated in 2011. During his studies, Joaquim continued to train under Grandmaster Hélio Gracie and received the prestigious Professors’ Diploma in 2007, a significant accomplishment in the world of jūjutsu.
Joaquim’s dedication to his craft, combined with his academic background, has made him a well-rounded individual who brings both discipline and intelligence to his work. His commitment to martial arts is not just about physical strength but also about mental clarity and emotional balance—qualities that have undoubtedly attracted Gisele to him.
Living in Miami: A Shared Love for the City
Both Gisele and Joaquim share a love for Miami, where they have built their lives. Gisele moved to Florida when her then-husband, Tom Brady, signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Joaquim, too, has been based in Miami for several years, teaching jūjutsu at the Valente Brothers’ martial arts academy.
The couple’s shared Brazilian heritage and their mutual love for Miami have helped them form a strong connection. They enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle together and often travel for both work and leisure. According to sources, Gisele is in a great space emotionally, and Joaquim has played a significant role in bringing joy and stability back into her life.
Joaquim’s Support After Gisele’s Personal Loss
In early 2024, Gisele faced another personal challenge with the loss of her mother, Vania Nonnenmacher. Joaquim became a source of strength during this difficult time, spending most of his nights at Gisele’s Miami home to provide her with emotional support. His comforting presence helped Gisele cope with her grief, further solidifying their bond.
Insiders revealed that the couple had been keeping their relationship relatively private, but in recent months, they’ve become more comfortable showing affection in public. This shift in their relationship dynamics reflects the deep connection and understanding they have for one another.
A New Chapter: Gisele and Joaquim’s Growing Family
As Gisele and Joaquim prepare to welcome their first child together, they are excited about the new chapter in their lives. Sources close to the couple have shared that they are focused on creating a peaceful and loving environment for their growing family. The baby will be joining Gisele’s two children, Benjamin and Vivian, from her previous marriage.
Gisele’s journey from being a world-renowned supermodel to a dedicated mother and now a soon-to-be mother of three is a testament to her resilience and strength. Her relationship with Joaquim has brought her a sense of peace and happiness, and the couple is looking forward to building a bright future together.
A Supportive and Loving Partnership
Joaquim Valente’s relationship with Gisele Bündchen is built on a foundation of trust, mutual respect, and shared values. He has been a pillar of support for Gisele during some of the most challenging moments in her life, including her divorce from Tom Brady and the passing of her mother. His down-to-earth nature, kindness, and dedication to both martial arts and family have made him the perfect partner for Gisele.
As they embark on this new journey together, Gisele and Joaquim are committed to creating a loving home for their children and embracing the joys of parenthood. Their story is one of growth, healing, and love—qualities that have made their relationship a beautiful and inspiring one.
