Did you know that supermodel Gisele Bundchen, Tom Brady’s ex-wife, has a talent for boxing? If you don’t know much about her, it might be easy to categorize Gisele as just a pretty face. However, this model is a combination of beauty, strength, and business acumen!
In former interviews, Gisele mentioned that although she found Tom Brady cute, she wasn’t interested in him at all initially. Despite their initial lack of interest, the two managed to build a relationship that lasted over a decade before ultimately divorcing.
If you want to learn more about Gisele Bundchen, her relationship with Tom Brady, and the events leading up to their divorce, read on for everything you need to know!
Who Is Gisele Bundchen, Tom Brady’s Ex-Wife?
Gisele Bundchen is was discovered in Horizontina, Brazil at the age of 13. The young Brazillian was stopping by McDonald’s with her volleyball team, the sport that she dreamed of going pro in. There, a modeling agent found her and the exclusive world of fashion whisked her away.
Three years later, she was on the cover of Vogue, establishing her as a frontrunner in the industry. Surprising as it might sound, she was considered curvy for a model, especially at the time. Her rise to fame marked the beginning of the end of the slim, “heroin chic” look that dominated fashion.
In 2000, the model became the face of Victoria’s Secret, a position she’d hold for seven years. In addition, she started dating Leonardo DiCaprio. Now, Gisele was a household name.
Her first name moniker marked the return of the “supermodel,” a model who is recognized by just their first name. Others included Naomi and Tyra. She experienced professional success modeling for high-power fashion houses like Christian Dior and Valentino until she retired in 2015.
After her retirement from the fashion world, she launched her own lines of shoes, clothing, and jewelry.
Growing up with pimples and acne, Gisele made it her mission to instill self-love and high self-esteem in young women. She started her own skincare line, Sejaa, with this purpose. Her product includes both cream, and affirmations to build self-esteem while clearing the skin.
She also founded the Luz Foundation, with a similar mission to build self-esteem in young women. Her net worth is estimated to be $400-million, with a $40-million annual salary, according to CelebrityNetWorth.
Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen Relationship
Football fans hardly need an overview of former New England Patriots and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. Considered by many to be the greatest player in NFL history, Brady has led his various teams to a record seven Super Bowl championships. He also has an impressive 3 MVP awards, 5 Super Bowl MVPs, and 14 Pro Bowl nods on his resume.
His number one fan has been Gisele since they first met. Just as he’s supported her every move on the runway and off, she’s been by his side on the pitch and off.
How Did Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen First Meet?
These two household-name celebrities knew of each other long before they first began dating. About a year before they first met, Gisele was first shown a photo of Tom and showed no interest at the time. Although he was cute, she said, the fact that he had a girlfriend made him totally unappealing to her.
Brady at the time was in a relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan. Brady heard Gisele’s critique, labeling it “harsh” and unfair.
A year later, in 2006, Brady split with Bridget and was set up on a blind date with Gisele by a mutual friend. Despite her critiques, Gisele says she knew immediately that he was the love of her life. His charisma and good looks reeled her in, and he found himself similarly enraptured.
Since they met, they haven’t gone a single day without talking.
A Rocky Road
After their instant connection, the couple was met with trouble almost immediately. Bridget, Brady’s recent ex, found out that she was pregnant. Just two months into their budding romance, this highly publicized discovery turned their world upside down.
The couple almost broke up, but now they consider Bridget and Tom’s child, Jack, a “bonus” in their relationship. He was a blessing to them and enriches their relationship more than he strained it at the time.
A Wedding So Nice They Did It Twice
Three years after they met in 2009, Tom proposed to Gisele on a private plane lined with roses and champagne. They practically ran down the aisle and married ten days later.
Their wedding was held in a small catholic church in California. A second ceremony was held two months later on the beach of Costa Rica, a second home to them.
Divorce
Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady were together for 16 years, when they announced they had finalized their divorce in October 2022. The Brazilian supermodel and the American football star ended their 13-year marriage. “It’s hard because you picture your life going a certain way, and you gave it your all, you know?” she told Vanity Fair.
Why Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen Separated?
Ever since news of Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen’s split hit, fans have been curious about what caused their breakup. It turns out, the trouble started when Tom decided to un-retire from the NFL.
Rumors of tension between them have been floating around ever since Tom went back on his decision to retire. A source told Us Weekly in September 2022 that there was definitely “tension” after Tom changed his mind about leaving football. “Gisele was not happy when Tom un-retired from the NFL after such a short time,” the insider said.
The source also mentioned that Tom’s been “doing everything he can to make it up to” Gisele. “They’re working through things and trying to come out the other side,” the source added. But another insider told People that Gisele is “frustrated” and has been spending time away from Tom. “Going back to Tampa after retiring put a strain on his personal life,” the source said. “Gisele is frustrated and sick of his career always coming before their family, who has always supported him.”
Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen’s Kids
QB Tom Brady, who made headlines by unretiring from football in March 2022 and then retiring again in February 2023, is a dad of three. He shares his eldest son, John “Jack” Edward Thomas, with his ex-girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan. With his ex-wife, Gisele Bundchen, he has two kids: Benjamin Rein and Vivian Lake.
Benny was born in 2009 right in the bathtub of their Boston penthouse, and three years later, Vivian came along. Gisele chose to have both kids at home, despite what the doctors advised.
They’ve agreed to share custody of Benjamin and Vivian. Gisele is staying in Miami, while Brady’s living in Tampa.
Gisele Bundchen Plans Low-Key Wedding as Tom Brady Moves On?
After splitting from Tom Brady two years ago, Gisele Bündchen is ready for a new chapter. The Brazilian supermodel is planning a low-key wedding with her jiu-jitsu instructor boyfriend, Joaquim Valente, at her Costa Rica estate.
Gisele and Joaquim started dating in June 2023, and they’re all about keeping their wedding private. Her kids with Brady—Benjamin, Vivian, and even stepson Jack—will be there, along with her family from Brazil and Joaquim’s brothers. Even Shakira might make an appearance!
The ceremony will be a mix of Portuguese and English, with tropical vibes and a brigadeiro cake. Meanwhile, Tom Brady seems to be moving on too, with rumors about him dating 27-year-old model Brooks Nader. Despite the split, Tom has given his blessing to Gisele’s new relationship, which means a lot to their kids.