After months of speculation, sources have confirmed that Gisele Bündchen has a new man in her life. According to a February 2024 report from People, the supermodel and Miami-based jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente first met after she took a course following her divorce from Tom Brady in November 2022. "They started out as friends," an insider told People of the new couple. "He was a huge comfort for Gisele while she went through her divorce. Their friendship turned romantic after the divorce."
The Brazilian model has a history of dating athletes, and Joaquim is no exception as they've reportedly been "taking it slow" with their romance. So, if you're prepping for the Met Gala and currently uphold the duties of updating your group chats on all the latest celeb relationship news (I know I do 🙋♀️), find everything you need to know about Gisele Bündchen's new boyfriend Joaquim Valente riiight here.
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He and Gisele come from similar backgrounds and have been dating since June 2023
According to insiders, the couple started dating after Gisele and Tom Brady got divorced in 2022. "They have been dating since June. 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," an anonymous source told People in February 2024.
But... how'd Gisele get here?
"They come from similar backgrounds. 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," the insider added.
As for his nature in the relationship? "Joaquim is a great guy. 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," another source told the outlet.
He co-founded a self-defense academy in Miami with his brothers
Joaquim and his brothers, Pedro and Gui, moved to Miami at different points in their lives and founded the Valente Brothers Academy in the '90s. "The techniques of jujutsu are based on natural movements that can easily be performed by anyone. We currently teach several elderly students as well as students with disabilities," their website reads.
He's trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, boxing, and jūdō *and* has a black belt!
That's right. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu instructor was introduced to martial arts before he could walk and began taking lessons when he was two. According to the Valente Brothers's website, he learned from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, who's taught three different generations in 67 years. Joaquim also earned his jiu-jitsu black belt in 2007.
He's been teaching Gisele and her kids jiu-jitsu since 2021
Gisele first met Joaquim in 2021 after her kids began taking jiu-jitsu classes at his academy. She wasn't interested in the practice at first, but she told Dust Magazine that her mentality shifted once she saw Joaquim teach her children the martial art.
"Initially, I wasn't even considering it for myself," the model said, per the Valente Brothers's 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." She continued, "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."
"I believe the more tools we have in our toolbox the better. 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! 🤛🏼," Gisele wrote in a February 2022 Instagram post.
Per Page Six, Gisele and Joaquim took a trip to Costa Rica with the model's children so they could continue their jiu-jitsu courses while on vacation in November 2022. This took place two weeks after her divorce from Tom Brady was finalized, which initially sparked dating rumors although the pair was platonic at the time.
He has a degree in criminology
Yep, Joaquim actually moved to Miami in 2007 to study the field at Barry University. Oh, and P.S. His eldest brother Pedro has a master's degree in business administration from the University of Miami, while his other brother Gui possesses a master of science degree in sport management from Barry University's School of Human Performance and Leisure Sciences.
The more you know!
Joaquin *might* be going to the Met Gala with Gisele 👀
Yep, a recent report c/o Page Six just dished that a number of famous faces will be attending the highly-anticipated event, including *drumroll, pls* Gisele! And according to the outlet, there's a buncha speculation as to whether she’ll bring Joaquim, whom she was reportedly “deeply in love” with as of February.
FYI, the supermodel has previously attended the Met Gala a ton of times with Tom Brady, so guess we'll have to stay tuned to see what happens this time around!
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