5 Shocking New Details About Gisele Bündchen's Boyfriend, Joaquim Valente, After Welcoming Their First Child

The world’s most famous supermodel, Gisele Bündchen, has officially moved on from her high-profile marriage to Tom Brady, embracing a new chapter defined by passion, purpose, and a surprising new love. As of late 2025, the man who has captured her heart is the highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Joaquim Valente. Their relationship, which quietly blossomed from a professional connection, has recently reached a major milestone, making their story one of the freshest and most intriguing celebrity romances of the year. The couple, who have been navigating their relationship away from the relentless media glare, have not only made their first public red-carpet debut but have also welcomed a new addition to their family, cementing their status as one of Hollywood's most talked-about duos. The shift from a 13-year marriage with an NFL icon to a relationship with a martial arts master speaks volumes about Gisele's desire for a grounded, authentic, and physically engaged life.

Joaquim Valente: Complete Biography and Profile

Joaquim Valente is far more than just Gisele Bündchen's boyfriend; he is a highly accomplished martial arts master and co-owner of one of the most prestigious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies in the United States. His life is steeped in the tradition of BJJ, a discipline that he and his family have dedicated their lives to preserving and teaching.

• Full Name: Joaquim Valente
• Occupation: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Master, Instructor, and Entrepreneur
• Academy: Co-founder and instructor at Valente Brothers Jiu-Jitsu
• Location of Academy: North Miami Beach, Florida, with affiliated locations in Coral Gables and Pembroke Pines.
• Siblings/Partners: Teaches alongside his brothers, Pedro Valente and Gui Valente, who are also masters of BJJ.
• Jiu-Jitsu Lineage: Directly trained under Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, the co-founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
• Belt Rank: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt (earned in 2007).
• Early Life: Born into the jūjutsu tradition; began learning from his father before he could walk and started formal lessons at the age of two.
• Relationship Status: Dating Gisele Bündchen since June 2023.
• Children: One child (a son) with Gisele Bündchen, born in February 2025.
• Estimated Net Worth: Between $1 million and $5 million, primarily from his business as a BJJ instructor and entrepreneur.

The Relationship Timeline: From Instructor to Life Partner

The foundation of Gisele and Joaquim’s romance is rooted in a shared passion for health, wellness, and martial arts, creating a bond that is both intellectual and physical. The timeline of their relationship shows a slow, deliberate progression from professional acquaintance to a full-fledged family unit.

The Jiu-Jitsu Connection (Pre-2022)

The Valente Brothers Academy, the oldest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in South Florida, first entered Gisele’s life as a means of self-improvement and self-defense. Gisele and her children began taking martial arts lessons from Joaquim and his brothers long before her 2022 divorce from Tom Brady was finalized. This initial stage was purely platonic, with Joaquim acting as Gisele's teacher and a close family friend.

The Blossoming Romance (Mid-2023)

Following her divorce, Gisele found herself spending more time with Joaquim and his family. What started as a professional relationship and friendship quietly turned romantic. Multiple reports confirm that the pair began officially dating in June 2023. The relationship was kept intentionally private, with the couple prioritizing intimacy over publicity during this crucial initial phase.

The Major Milestones of 2025

The year 2025 has marked a significant acceleration in their commitment to one another.

First Child Together: In a major development that stunned fans, Gisele and Joaquim welcomed their first child together, a son, in February 2025. This arrival makes Gisele a mother of three and highlights the seriousness and depth of her relationship with the BJJ master.

First Public Debut: In November 2025, the couple made their first official public appearance together at the Franca Fund Gala in Doha, Qatar. This red-carpet moment, where they were photographed together for the first time at a major event since the news of their relationship broke, signaled their readiness to step into the public eye as a couple.

5 Key Insights into Gisele's New Life and Relationship

The relationship between the supermodel and the Jiu-Jitsu master offers a stark contrast to her previous marriage, reflecting a profound shift in Gisele's personal priorities and lifestyle.

1. A Shared Commitment to Wellness and Discipline

Unlike her life with an elite athlete focused on American football, Gisele’s relationship with Joaquim centers on the holistic discipline of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ is not just a sport; it is a philosophy that promotes physical fitness, mental toughness, and self-defense. Gisele has openly credited BJJ with helping her through her divorce, stating that it makes her feel strong and empowered. This shared, foundational interest provides a deep topical authority for their connection.

2. The 'Valente Brothers' Legacy

Joaquim is one of three brothers—Pedro, Gui, and Joaquim—who run the renowned Valente Brothers academy. This family legacy, which traces its roots back to the legendary Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, means Gisele is not just dating one person but is integrated into a tight-knit, highly respected family of martial artists. This environment offers a sense of grounding and tradition, a stark departure from the high-octane world of professional sports.

3. Intimacy Over Publicity

The couple’s decision to keep their relationship “relatively under wraps” and “taking it slow” from the start was a conscious choice. This private approach is a clear indication that Gisele values a quiet, authentic connection over the media circus that surrounded her marriage to Tom Brady. The relationship is built on a foundation of friendship and mutual respect, which often translates to greater longevity.

4. The New Baby Changes Everything

The arrival of their son in February 2025 is the ultimate proof of their commitment. While Gisele has two children (Benjamin and Vivian) with Tom Brady, having a child with Joaquim Valente solidifies their bond as a blended family. Reports suggest that Gisele feels a new sense of "freedom" and happiness in this chapter, embracing motherhood again with her new partner.

5. A Brazilian Connection

Both Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente are Brazilian natives, sharing a cultural background, language (Portuguese), and a deep connection to their home country. This shared heritage provides a natural comfort and understanding that transcends their professional lives, further strengthening their bond. The Valente Brothers have successfully brought the authentic, traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the US, a cultural export that Gisele deeply appreciates.