Exciting news has surfaced in the world of celebrity relationships! Gisele Bündchen, the renowned supermodel, and her boyfriend, Joaquim Valente, are reportedly expecting their first child together. This announcement has sparked joy among fans and followers, who are eager to learn more about this couple's journey as they prepare for parenthood. According to sources, Gisele and Joaquim are enthusiastic about this new chapter in their lives and are committed to fostering a nurturing and loving environment for their growing family.
In a recent statement to PEOPLE, a close insider revealed, “Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and are looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family.” This little one will join Gisele's two children, Benjamin Rein and Vivian Lake, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Tom Brady. The family dynamic is sure to change as they welcome a new addition, and fans are eager to see how Gisele balances her modeling career and motherhood.
Gisele's journey with Joaquim began after her divorce from Tom Brady in October 2022. The couple was first spotted together in November of that year, sparking initial rumors. They clarified they were just friends at first, but their relationship blossomed into a romantic partnership in mid-2023. An insider shared that Joaquim was a significant source of comfort for Gisele during her divorce, and their bond has only strengthened since then. “Joaquim is a great guy,” the source added, noting that Gisele found it natural to be with him, despite initial hesitations about dating again.
Joaquim Valente's Background as a Jūjutsu Practitioner
Joaquim Valente hails from a family deeply rooted in the martial art of jūjutsu. Over the past 67 years, three generations of the Valente family have practiced this discipline under the guidance of the legendary grandmaster Hélio Gracie. Joaquim's father, Dr. Syllo Valente, along with his brother General Eliezer Valente, introduced the family to jūjutsu after learning basic self-defense principles from a Japanese friend in the 1920s. Their dedication to the martial art led them to enroll at Academia Gracie in Rio de Janeiro, which has become a cornerstone of Brazilian jūjutsu.
The Valente brothers, including Joaquim, were born into this rich tradition. They began their training at a remarkably young age, with Joaquim and his brothers taking private lessons from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie when they were just toddlers. Growing up, they trained daily at the Gracie Academy, ensuring a solid foundation in both jūjutsu and its philosophy. Joaquim’s upbringing in this environment has undoubtedly shaped his character and values.
Shared Backgrounds and Personal Growth
Interestingly, Joaquim and Gisele share a similar background, both being Brazilian. This commonality is one of the aspects that drew them together. Reports indicate that they both left Brazil at a young age and have built remarkable lives in the United States. Their mutual love for Miami and travel has further solidified their bond. A source noted, “They both enjoy healthy living. Gisele’s in a great space. She is happy and very much enjoying life. Joaquim is perfect for her.”
Joaquim's educational journey is as impressive as his martial arts background. Moving to Miami in 2007, he pursued a degree in criminology at Barry University, where he also trained under Grandmaster Hélio Gracie. In 2007, he received the prestigious Professors’ Diploma from Gracie, an honor bestowed upon only a select few in the last 75 years. This accomplishment highlights Joaquim's dedication and expertise in jūjutsu, making him a fitting partner for someone like Gisele, who values strength and self-defense.
Their Life Together in Miami
Currently, Joaquim resides in Miami Beach, Florida, where he has been spending considerable time with Gisele. Following the passing of Gisele's mother, Vania Nonnenmacher, in January 2024, Joaquim has become a strong support system for her. Sources have noted an increase in public displays of affection between the couple, indicating a deepening of their relationship. “They were keeping things quiet — but recently there’s been more PDA; they’re happy to be affectionate with each other in public,” the source shared.
As they prepare for their new family member, Gisele and Joaquim have demonstrated a commitment to maintaining a private yet supportive relationship. Their journey together reflects the beauty of finding love and companionship, especially during challenging times. Fans are excited to witness how this loving couple continues to grow both as partners and as a family.
Joaquim and Gisele's Friendship Evolving Into Romance
Interestingly, Gisele has not only embraced her relationship with Joaquim but has also engaged in jūjutsu training alongside him. In a recent Instagram post, she showcased her skills and expressed her appreciation for the Valente brothers, emphasizing the importance of self-defense for women. “I feel stronger, more confident, and empowered since I started practicing self-defense,” she wrote. This engagement highlights the couple's shared values and interests, further enriching their relationship.
While their romance has been kept relatively low-key, details have surfaced about their relationship that reveal a beautiful evolution from friendship to love. An insider mentioned that they have been dating since June 2023, taking their time to build a solid foundation. Gisele's desire for privacy during this phase indicates her commitment to ensuring that their relationship blossoms without external pressures.
Teaching Jūjutsu to Gisele's Children
Joaquim's influence extends beyond his relationship with Gisele; he has also been teaching her children the art of jūjutsu. This decision stems from Gisele's desire to introduce her son to positive influences and self-defense skills. Initially, she didn't consider jūjutsu for herself, but after witnessing the positive impact on her son, she became intrigued. Gisele mentioned, “I realized it was much more than self-defense,” showcasing her commitment to personal growth and empowerment.
As Gisele and Joaquim navigate their lives together, they embody the spirit of love, dedication, and personal development. Their journey serves as an inspirational story for many, highlighting the importance of support, companionship, and shared experiences in building a family. With a baby on the way, their commitment to one another and their growing family will undoubtedly continue to flourish.