Gisele Bündchen expecting first child with jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente
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Gisele Bundchen is said to be expecting her first baby with her rumored partner, jiu-jitsu coach Joaquim Valente.
On Monday, October 28, a source informed People that the 44-year-old Victoria's Secret model and 35-year-old Valente are excited about this new phase in their lives and are eager to build a harmonious and loving atmosphere for their entire family.
The Independent has reached out to Bündchen's team for a response.
Bündchen initially fueled speculation about a romance with the jiu-jitsu instructor in November 2022, which was shortly after her divorce from former NFL player Tom Brady in October. It wasn't until June 2023 that they actually started dating, as confirmed by People in February.
"They initially began their relationship as good friends. She is quite discreet about this and preferred to keep things low-key while they took the time to learn more about one another," a source shared back then.
As Valente prepares for her first baby, she already has two children—14-year-old son Benjamin and 11-year-old daughter Vivian—from her relationship with Brady.
While Bündchen has kept her relationship with Valente under wraps, they have been seen together on several occasions in Costa Rica over the last two years following her divorce from Brady. The couple was first noticed enjoying dinner at Koji in Provincia de Puntarenas, accompanied by Valente’s brother, Jordan, and Bündchen’s two kids.
At that point, several sources verified that the night was purely platonic. “Gisele and Joaquim are not in a relationship,” a source informed Entertainment Tonight. “Joaquim and his brother, Jordan, are martial arts instructors for Gisele and her son. Both Jordan and Joaquim were present with Gisele in Costa Rica.”
In March 2023, Bündchen spoke openly about her relationship with Valente during an interview with Vanity Fair. When questioned about rumors of their romance, the model highlighted that she and Valente have developed a strong friendship.
“He’s our educator, and what matters most is that I really respect and trust him. It's wonderful to be surrounded by that positive energy, especially with my children,” she expressed.
It has been reported that the future parents have been acquainted for quite some time, even prior to the conclusion of Bündchen's 13-year marriage to Brady. In February 2022, she posted on Instagram about taking self-defense classes alongside Valente and his brothers in Miami, Florida.
"I think having a variety of skills is incredibly valuable. Since I began learning self-defense, I've felt stronger, more confident, and empowered," she wrote alongside a video displaying her jiu-jitsu techniques. "I truly believe this is a crucial skill for everyone, particularly for women. Huge thanks to @ValenteBrothers for being fantastic instructors and for making the training enjoyable. I can't wait to continue progressing. Let’s do this!"
Due to the timing of their relationship, Bündchen eventually had to refute claims that she was unfaithful to Brady with Valente.
"This is an experience many women face; they often receive blame for having the bravery to end a toxic relationship, and are unfairly labeled as disloyal," she shared with the New York Times in March 2023. "They have to navigate the reactions of their communities and families. In my case, it’s just a bit more intense."
Bündchen emphasized that she plans to keep her relationships private. "Only the people involved truly understand what's going on between them," she remarked.
After their divorce, Bündchen and Brady decided to share joint custody of their kids. In addition to Benjamin and Vivian, Brady also has a 17-year-old son named Jack from his previous relationship with Bridget Moynahan.
