Who Is Gisele Bündchen's Boyfriend? All About Jiu-Jitsu Instructor Joaquim Valente

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: VALENTE BROTHERS jiujitsu/Instagram; Michael Loccisano/Getty

Gisele Bündchenand her boyfriend Joaquim Valente are parents!

The supermodel, 44, and the Miami-based jiu-jitsu instructor, 37, first made headlines in February 2022 when Gisele shared avideo of her session at his academyin Florida, paired with a caption that thanked him and his brothers for being “awesome teachers.”

In the months that followed, they wereseen out and about togetheron several occasions. However, Gisele denied having a romantic relationship with Joaquim at the time, tellingVanity Fair, “I think, at this point, unfortunately, because I’m divorced, I’m sure that they’re going totry to attach me to anything.”

A love connection later blossomed between the pair, and in February 2024, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that Gisele and Joaquim have beendating since June 2023.

Here’s everything to know about Gisele Bündchen’s boyfriend Joaquim Valente.

He’s a co-founder of a self-defense academy in Miami

VALENTE BROTHERS jiujitsu/Instagram

Athird-generation practicerof Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Joaquim currently teaches the martial arts sport at a Miami-based academy alongside his brothers (and fellow co-founders) Pedro and Gui. The oldest of the siblings, Pedro, began teaching jiu-jitsu classes throughout Miami after his move from Rio de Janeiro in 1993.

Joaquim, the youngest of the brothers, was the last of his siblings to move to Miami. Upon his arrival, his involvement with instruction played a pivotal role in the development of the brothers' curriculum due to the knowledge he gained from the Grandmaster when he was in Brazil.

He learned jiu-jitsu before he could walk

Similar to his brothers, Joaquim was introduced to jiu-jitsu before he could walk and began lessons at the age of two. He learned from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie, who’s considered a legend in the practice and taught three generations in a span of 67 years.

He’s also trained in boxing and jūdō

He holds a professor title in jiu-jitsu

He met Gisele at the academy through her son

After learning about the academy and Valente brothers through a friend, Gisele sought out the martial arts school for herself — but she credits her pre-teen son (whom she wanted to “steer in the right direction”) for introducing her to Joaquim.

During an interview withDust Magazine, Gisele revealed that she wasn’t personally interesting in jiu-jitsu at first. “Initially, I wasn’t even considering it for myself,” she began. “But when I brought [her son] to the first class and started talking to Joaquim, I realized that it was much more than self defense.”

She mentioned that it was the philosophy behind jiu-jitsu that piqued her interest the most. “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.”

He and Gisele have been together since 2023

According to several sources, Joaquim and Gisele have been dating since June 2023.

“They’re taking it slow,” an insider told PEOPLE in February 2024. “They started out as great friends. She’s very private about this and wanted to keep it quiet while they got to know each other.”

A separate source added: “They come from similar backgrounds. They both left Brazil very young. Gisele’s in a great space. Joaquim is perfect for her.”

He earned a degree in criminology

Joaquim moved to Miami in 2007 to study criminology at Barry University where he earned his degree in the field. His eldest brother, Pedro, holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Miami while his other brother, Gui, holds a master of science in sport management from Barry University’s School of Human Performance and Leisure Sciences.

He was mentioned during Tom Brady’s Netflix comedy roast

“You know who also f—ed their coach? Gisele, she f—ed her karate coach,” Hart said to Brady, who was visibly uncomfortable. “Tom, how did you not see this coming? Eight karate classes a day?”

He and Gisele have a child together

Gisele Bundchen in 2023.Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

On Oct. 28, a source close to the supermodel confirmed to PEOPLE she was pregnant with her first child with Joaquim. “Gisele and Joaquim are happy for this new chapter in their life and they’re looking forward to creating a peaceful and loving environment for the whole family,” the source said in a statement.

source: people.com