Gisele Bündchen’s new romance has reportedly been “confirmed” following her split from NFL star Tom Brady.
The former couple confirmed their split on October 28, 2022, after 13 years of marriage.
They share two children – Benjamin, 14, and Vivian, 11.
A source has now confirmed to PEOPLE, that the 43-year-old Brazilian model has been dating Joaquim Valente since June.
Joaquim is her family’s jiu-jitsu instructor and it is understood that their feelings toward each other developed over time after initially having a platonic relationship.
The source said: “They have been dating since June. They’re taking it slow.”
“They started out as great friends first. She’s very private about this and wanted to keep it quiet while they got to know each other.”
Gisele Bündchen enjoys Costa Rica dinner date with new man Joaquim Valente: pics https://t.co/YQrbKLui4H pic.twitter.com/8Xh8KGt6od
— Page Six (@PageSix) November 14, 2022
A second source told the publication: “They started out as friends.”
“He was a huge comfort for Gisele while she went through her divorce. Their friendship turned romantic after the divorce.”
They continued: “Joaquim is a great guy. He is down to earth, kind and inspiring. Gisele was hesitant about dating after the divorce. It’s been very natural for her to date Joaquim.”
“They come from similar backgrounds. They both left Brazil very young.”
“They have both created amazing lives for themselves in the U.S. They both love Miami, but also enjoy traveling. They both enjoy healthy living.”
“Gisele’s in a great space. She is happy and very much enjoying life. Joaquim is perfect for her.”
Announcing her separation from NFL player Tom, Gisele wrote on her Instagram, last year: “With much gratitude for our time together, Tom and I have amicably finalized our divorce.”
“My priority has always been and will continue to be our children whom I love with all my heart. We will continue co-parenting to give them the love, care and attention they greatly deserve.”
“The decision to end a marriage is never easy but we have grown apart and while it is, of course, difficult to go through something like this, I feel blessed for the time we had together and only wish the best for Tom always.”
The supermodel also asked that their privacy “be respected during this sensitive time.”
In October, Page Six reported that the pair had both hired divorce lawyers, after their marriage allegedly hit the rocks following an epic fight between them.
A source told the outlet: “I never actually thought this argument would be the end of them, but it looks like it is. I don’t think there will be any coming back now.”
“They both have lawyers and are looking at what a split will entail, who gets what and what the finances will be.”
It’s understood the couple clashed over Tom returning to the NFL, just one month after he announced his retirement.
However, an insider said: “As with many marriages, it’s not just one thing. Gisele has made it clear that she worried about Tom playing football and that they had had many talks about it.”
“But they have had a series of blowups over the past few years, and this time it looks like there’s no going back.”
