Let me tell you a story about Gisele Bündchen and her boyfriend Joaquim Valente. Picture this: Gisele, one of the world’s most famous supermodels, and Joaquim, a down-to-earth Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor, find love amidst the chaos of life. In 2025, the couple welcomed their first child together, marking a beautiful new chapter in their relationship. Now, here’s the interesting part: Joaquim was already part of Gisele’s life when she was still married to her ex-husband, Tom Brady. But don’t worry, there’s no scandal here—just a heartfelt tale of friendship turning into love. So, let’s dive into who Joaquim Valente really is and why he’s such an important part of Gisele’s life now.
Who Is Joaquim Valente, the Man Behind Gisele's Smile?
Let’s start with the basics. Joaquim Valente, like Gisele, is a proud Brazilian. He’s not just a jiu-jitsu instructor; he’s a skilled martial artist who moved to Florida in 2007, following in the footsteps of his older brothers, Pedro and Gui Valente. These brothers relocated to the Sunshine State, and Joaquim wasn’t far behind. While in Miami, Joaquim pursued his education with passion, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Barry University in 2011. His journey from Brazil to the U.S. wasn’t just about martial arts—it was about building a life filled with purpose and knowledge.
What Does Joaquim Valente Do for a Living?
Now, let’s talk about Joaquim’s day job. He, along with his brothers Pedro and Gui, co-owns Valente Brothers self-defense gym in North Miami Beach, Florida. But wait, there’s more—they’ve also put their name on two affiliated gyms in Pembroke Pines and Coral Gables, Florida. At the North Miami Beach location, the brothers teach daily classes, while black belt professors handle the affiliated studios. This isn’t just a business for Joaquim; it’s a mission. Their website clearly states their goal: to “raise the physical confidence and overall wellness of students of all ages” by teaching effective self-defense skills in a positive, respectful environment.
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Joaquim’s martial arts journey began under the tutelage of jiu-jitsu grandmasters Hélio Gracie and his late father, Dr. Pedro Valente Sr., an 8th-degree Red and Black belt. After moving to Miami in 2007, Joaquim quickly made a name for himself. According to the gym’s website, he impressed everyone with his unique technique, outstanding teaching skills, and remarkable charisma. It’s no wonder Gisele was drawn to him—not just as a trainer, but as a person.
How Did Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente Cross Paths?
Here’s where the story gets interesting. Gisele started training with Joaquim in 2021 after she and her then-husband Tom Brady moved to South Florida. It wasn’t just Gisele who took to the mats—her children from her previous marriage, son Benjamin and daughter Vivian, also joined in on the self-defense lessons. In February 2022, Gisele couldn’t help but gush about the brothers on Instagram, calling them “awesome teachers.”
“I believe the more tools we have in our toolbox, the better,” Gisele wrote to her followers. “I feel stronger, more confident, and empowered since I started practicing self-defense. I feel it’s an important skill for everyone, especially for us women. Thank you @ValenteBrothers for making training so much fun. I’m looking forward to keep improving. Let’s go!”
When Did Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente Become More Than Friends?
By the time Gisele and Tom’s marriage ended in October 2022, Joaquim was already a close friend. In November of the same year, Gisele was spotted dining with Joaquim at a restaurant near her Costa Rica home, alongside her two kids. This sighting sparked dating rumors, but sources were quick to clarify that there was no romantic relationship at the time—they were simply long-time friends.
When The New York Times asked Gisele directly about any alleged affair in March 2024, she was firm in her response: “That’s a lie.” Gisele went on to explain that her marriage to Tom ended because it was no longer healthy, not because of another person. “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 added.
Just four days after this interview, Joaquim made his first public appearance as Gisele’s supportive boyfriend at the Miami launch of her cookbook, Nourish. A source close to the couple confirmed Gisele’s pregnancy with Joaquim in October 2024. “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,” the insider told People.
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In February 2025, TMZ reported that Gisele had recently given birth, with sources confirming that both mom and baby were healthy. It’s clear that Gisele and Joaquim have built a life filled with love and support, and their journey is just beginning.
