For over a decade, Gisele Bündchen and NFL legend Tom Brady were the undisputed golden couple of American pop culture. Married in 2009, they built a beautiful family, welcoming son Benjamin in 2009 and daughter Vivian in 2012.
To the outside world, they seemed completely untouchable. But behind the scenes, the immense pressure of their demanding careers—and Brady’s highly publicized struggles to walk away from football—slowly took their toll. In October 2022, after months of speculation, the couple officially finalized their divorce, ending their 13-year marriage with a masterclass in mutual respect and dedicated co-parenting.
“The decision to end a marriage is never easy, but we have grown apart,” Gisele shared at the time. “My priority has always been and will continue to be our children.”
From Self-Defense to Soulmates: The Joaquim Valente Chapter
Following her divorce, Gisele chose to step away from the chaotic spotlight, focusing heavily on wellness, nature, and her long-term love for physical discipline. It was during this period of healing that a supportive friendship blossomed into a profound romance.
In 2021, Gisele and her children had begun training in self-defense at the Miami-based Valente Brothers jiu-jitsu academy. Her primary instructor, Joaquim Valente, became a steady, calming presence in her life. By June 2023, their close bond officially transitioned into a romantic relationship.
Baby River and a Secret Backyard Wedding
The couple’s new chapter quickly filled with immense joy. In February 2025, at the age of 44, Gisele gave birth to her third child—a beautiful baby boy named River, her first child with Joaquim. Keeping with Gisele’s love for nature and water-themed middle names (mirroring Vivian Lake and Benjamin Rein), River’s birth brought the entire family closer together.
Then, on December 3, 2025, the couple pulled off the ultimate romantic surprise.
- The Secret Ceremony: Gisele and Joaquim officially tied the knot in a highly private, intimate wedding at their home in Surfside, Florida.
- The Inner Circle: Surrounded by only their closest family and friends, the ceremony was a beautiful, quiet celebration of their shared values.
- The Family Unit: Little River, along with his older siblings Benjamin and Vivian, were all present to witness their mother’s beautiful new beginning.
