Who Is Joaquim Valente? Everything to Know About Gisele Bündchen's New Boyfriend

The supermodel and her jiu-jitsu instructor are expecting.

After a high-profile divorce from NFL superstar Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen found love again in 2023 with her jiu-jitsu instructor, Joaquim Valente. The pair were smitten: according to sources who spoke to People, Bündchen was "happy and very much enjoying life" because "Joaquim [was] perfect for her." One year later, of course, there is even more happy news to celebrate: the couple is expecting. The news comes after a torrent of rumors surrounding the couple's relationship timeline, given that they knew each other—as friends—before her divorce.

“I can’t really worry about what other people say about me because what they say about me is none of my business," Bündchen told Harper's Bazaar. "It’s really their business that they’re trying to project onto me. If I’m going to be affected by that, I’m never going to live my truth.”

With a third baby on the way (Bündchen shares two children with her ex, Brady), and a newfound love of jiu-jitsu, the retired supermodel certainly seems to be living her truth now—and thriving while doing it. Here's everything we know about the model's new partner and their relationship.

Valente and Bündchen are expecting.

News broke of Bündchen's pregnancy in October 2024, roughly a year and a half after the pair officially coupled up. Soon after, sources revealed that the retired model planned to have a home birth.

“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,” a source told People. "She’s excited about the baby and feels good. She’s several months along and planning a home birth.”

The couple started dating in June 2023.

The Victoria's Secret alum and the martial arts athlete started dating after Bündchen's divorce from Tom Brady, which was finalized in October 2022.

"They have been dating since June," a source told People in February 2024. "They're taking it slow. They started out as great friends first. She's very private about this and wanted to keep it quiet while they got to know each other."

Gisele and Brady were married for 13 years and share two children, a 14-year-old son named Benjamin and an 11-year-old daughter named Vivian.

"Joaquim is a great guy," a second source told People. "He is down to earth, kind and inspiring. Gisele was hesitant about dating after the divorce. It's been very natural for her to date Joaquim."

Valente is also from Brazil.

Valente and Bündchen are both from Brazil and share similar backgrounds. Currently, they both live in Miami.

"They come from similar backgrounds," a source explained to People. "They both left Brazil very young. They have both created amazing lives for themselves in the U.S. They both love Miami, but also enjoy traveling. They both enjoy healthy living. Gisele's in a great space. She is happy and very much enjoying life. Joaquim is perfect for her."

He's a jiu-jitsu instructor.

Valente founded the Valente Brothers Academy with his siblings, Pedro and Gui, in the 1990s. He earned his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu back in 2007, and is also trained in boxing and jūdō.

He met Bündchen in 2021.

Gisele's children started taking classes at Valente Brothers Academy in 2021. While she wasn't taking classes herself, she told Dust Magazine that seeing Valente in action made her change her mind.

"Initially, I wasn't even considering it for myself," she told the publication, according to the Valente Brothers official website. "But when I brought [my son] to the first class and started talking to Joaquim, I realized that it was much more than self-defense. It felt very much in line with what I believe in and look for in my life, and how I have a path to develop and become the best version of myself."

In February 2022, Bündchen posted about her newfound love of jiu-jitsu training on Instagram.

"I believe the more tools we have in our toolbox the better," she wrote in her caption. "I feel stronger, more confidence and empowered since I started practicing self-defense. I feel it’s an important skill for all, but specially for us women. Thank you @ValenteBrothers for being awesome teachers and for making training so much fun. I am looking forward to keep improving. Let’s go!"

He vacations with Bündchen and her kids.

The couple were spotted in Costa Rica back in November 2022, with Page Six reporting that Valente joined Bündchen and her kids so that they could continue their training. The trip came just two weeks after Bündchen and Brady's divorce, but sources insisted that the trip was strictly professional.