Gisele Bündchen, the Brazilian supermodel known for her philanthropic work and high-profile marriage to NFL legend Tom Brady, recently made waves on social media by posting a series of family photos that sent a clear message about her current priorities. On Father’s Day in the United States, Bündchen shared a heartfelt tribute to Joaquim Valente, her new husband and the father of her youngest son, while conspicuously omitting any mention of Brady, the father of her two older children. The move was widely interpreted as a deliberate statement about the direction of her life after divorce and remarriage.
The collection of photographs, posted to Bündchen’s Instagram account, featured intimate moments with Valente and their toddler son, whose name has been kept private. One image showed the trio standing on a beach during sunset, with a rainbow arching across the sky—a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Another captured Valente lying on the floor of a jiu-jitsu studio, his son playfully crawling on his back. Additional photos included Valente with Bündchen’s children from her marriage to Brady—Vivian Lake, now 13, and Benjamin Rein, 16—demonstrating that the blended family is thriving.
In the caption, Bündchen expressed her gratitude for Valente’s fatherly qualities. She wrote, “Happy Father’s Day, Joaquim Valente! Thank you for leading by example and for the values you embody: love, humility, integrity, discipline, kindness, and consistency. You are an incredible role model. We are all so grateful for you and love you so much.” She also thanked her own father for his “unconditional love, wisdom, and support in every stage of my life.” Notably absent was any acknowledgment of Tom Brady, with whom she shares the two older children.
The Context: A High-Profile Divorce and a New Beginning
Bündchen and Brady’s marriage, which lasted from 2009 to 2022, was often regarded as a power couple relationship. The model, a Victoria’s Secret veteran and one of the highest-paid supermodels in the world, and the quarterback, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, seemed to have it all. However, the union unraveled amid reports of differing priorities, with Bündchen reportedly wanting Brady to retire from football to spend more time with the family, while Brady continued his career. The couple divorced in October 2022, with Bündchen stating that they had “grown apart.”
After the separation, Bündchen found love with Joaquim Valente, a jiu-jitsu instructor based in Miami. Valente had been her personal trainer and the two grew close during the pandemic. Their relationship became public in early 2023, and by February 2025, they welcomed a son. A few months later, they were married in a private ceremony. For Bündchen, this new chapter represents a return to her roots in a more grounded lifestyle, away from the intense media scrutiny that accompanied her life with Brady.
The Message Behind the Father’s Day Post
The Father’s Day post was more than just a celebration of Valente—it was a statement. By excluding Brady, Bündchen signaled that her emotional and familial focus has shifted entirely to her new husband and the family they are building together. In contrast, when Mother’s Day occurred in May of the same year, Brady had acknowledged both mothers of his children in his Instagram Stories: Bridget Moynahan, mother of his eldest son Jack (18), and Bündchen herself. That gesture contrasted sharply with Bündchen’s omission, suggesting a deliberate imbalance in their post-divorce public relations.
Social media analysts pointed out that Bündchen’s approach is not uncommon among divorced celebrities who wish to draw clear boundaries. By showcasing her current partner exclusively, she reinforces the narrative that her past with Brady is over, and that she is now fully invested in her new life. The photos also served to normalize her blended family, presenting Valente as an active stepfather to her older children.
Career and Philanthropy: A Life Beyond the Headlines
While her personal life often dominates headlines, Gisele Bündchen’s professional achievements are equally noteworthy. She began modeling as a teenager and quickly rose to become one of the most recognizable faces in fashion, walking for top designers and gracing countless magazine covers. In 2015, she retired from the runway but continued to work on selective campaigns and philanthropic projects. She is an environmental activist, serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme, and has authored books on holistic living, including “Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life.”
Bündchen has also ventured into business, launching a skincare line and a line of organic food products. Her net worth is estimated at over $400 million, making her one of the wealthiest supermodels in history. Despite her fortune, she has always emphasized the importance of wellness, family, and nature—a theme that resonates in her current choice to prioritize her home life in Miami over the glitz of high society.
Joaquim Valente: The Man Behind the New Family
Joaquim Valente, 38, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and co-founder of the Valente Brothers academy in Miami. He has worked with law enforcement and military personnel, teaching self-defense techniques. In media interviews, he has described his relationship with Bündchen as a partnership built on mutual respect and a shared love for health and fitness. The couple often shares glimpses of their life doing yoga, surfing, and raising their son. Valente’s low-profile demeanor contrasts with Brady’s celebrity status, and Bündchen has expressed appreciation for their private family life away from paparazzi.
Public Reaction and Media Spin
The Father’s Day post generated widespread coverage in entertainment media, with many outlets commenting on the “cold shoulder” shown to Brady. Some fans defended Bündchen, arguing that she has the right to honor her current husband without feeling obligated to mention an ex. Others speculated that the omission might signal lingering tension between the former spouses. Brady, for his part, did not publicly respond, continuing his usual social media presence promoting his health brand and football commentary.
This incident also highlights the double standards often applied to public figures: when a man remarries and prioritizes his new family, it can be praised as moving on; when a woman does the same, she might be criticized for being callous. Bündchen’s post, however, appears to be less about retaliation and more about authenticity—she shared what was true to her life at that moment.
As of mid-2026, Bündchen remains a beloved figure in Brazil and internationally, admired for her grace under public scrutiny. Her Instagram, with millions of followers, is a carefully curated blend of family moments, professional updates, and advocacy. Whether the Father’s Day post was intentional or an innocent oversight, it has cemented a perception: Gisele Bündchen is unequivocally on Team Valente, and Tom Brady is in her rearview mirror.
Source: bild.de News