Gisele Bündchen, one of the world’s most renowned supermodels, captivated her followers by sharing the first image of her third child, born to her and jiu-jitsu instructor Joaquim Valente. The Instagram post, shared on Mother’s Day, May 11, 2025, doubled as a tribute to her late mother, Vânia Nonnenmacher, who passed away in 2024. The photo, which conceals the baby’s face, shows Gisele cradling the infant, dressed in a white onesie emblazoned with “I ❤️ mom.” The post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of comments and shares within hours.
Known for her guarded approach to social media, Gisele struck an intimate tone in the caption, emphasizing the joy of simple, meaningful moments. She also expressed her longing for her mother, adding emotional depth to the Mother’s Day tribute. The image of her youngest, born in February 2025, represents a rare glimpse into Gisele’s private life, as she has prioritized discretion since the baby’s arrival.
- New family milestone: The child is Gisele’s first with Joaquim Valente, her partner since 2023.
- Motherhood celebrated: She is already mother to Benjamin, 15, and Vivian, 12, from her marriage to Tom Brady.
- Tribute to her mother: The post honored Vânia Nonnenmacher, who died at 75.
- Online buzz: The post garnered millions of views in under a day.
By choosing Mother’s Day to share this moment, Gisele strengthened her bond with fans who have followed her career since the 1990s. Once the highest-paid model globally, she now balances her public persona with a focus on family life in Miami.
Mother’s Day tribute
Gisele’s Instagram post on May 11, 2025, featured five photos, including shots of her older children and her late mother, Vânia. The bilingual caption, written in English and Portuguese, expressed gratitude for motherhood, described as her “greatest gift.” She also reflected on her mother’s absence, who passed away in January 2024 after a cancer battle. The image of her youngest, held in her arms, stole the spotlight, with the baby facing away, dressed in a simple white outfit that resonated with fans for its tenderness.
The timing of the post, aligning with Mother’s Day, was deliberate. Gisele, who often uses significant dates to share personal milestones, leveraged the occasion to tie her motherhood journey to her mother’s memory. The caption, referencing “slower rhythms” and “deeper connections,” hints at a reflective phase for the model, who has scaled back her social media presence since her son’s birth.
- Family focus: Gisele has prioritized privacy, limiting public appearances recently.
- Emotional homage: The mention of her mother added a poignant layer to the post.
- Massive engagement: The post surpassed 2 million likes in less than 24 hours.
Bond with Joaquim Valente
The birth of Gisele’s third child marks a new chapter with Joaquim Valente, a Rio-born jiu-jitsu instructor based in Miami. The couple, who began dating in June 2023, maintains a low-profile relationship, steering clear of media frenzy. Valente, 35, is a black belt in jiu-jitsu and co-runs the Valente Brothers academy with his siblings Pedro and Gui. He first met Gisele years ago when she sought jiu-jitsu lessons for her son Benjamin.
Their relationship evolved from friendship to romance, publicly confirmed in 2024. In a New York Times interview, Gisele praised Valente’s “honesty and transparency,” noting the comfort of building a relationship with a longtime friend. The arrival of their son in February 2025 solidified their partnership, with the couple often spotted together on family outings in Miami.
First glimpses of the newborn
While Gisele’s Mother’s Day post was the first official image she shared of her youngest, the baby had already appeared in paparazzi photos. In March 2025, Gisele was photographed in Miami carrying the newborn in a baby carrier while walking her German shepherd, Alfie. The images, published by outlets like Quem magazine, showed her in a casual outfit, shielding the child’s face. Days later, she and Valente were seen sharing affectionate moments during a romantic stroll.
These paparazzi shots, though intrusive, offered a peek into the family’s routine. Gisele, a staunch advocate for her children’s privacy, has kept the baby’s full name under wraps. According to People magazine, sources close to the couple revealed the child’s middle name is River, a nod to nature, but the first name remains undisclosed.
- Privacy upheld: Gisele avoids showing her son’s face in public images.
- Nature-inspired name: River reflects the model’s environmental passion.
- Miami lifestyle: The family resides in a luxurious home with beach access.
- Media scrutiny: Paparazzi have trailed Gisele since her pregnancy announcement.
Gisele’s journey as a mother
At 44, Gisele Bündchen is mother to Benjamin Rein, 15, and Vivian Lake, 12, from her marriage to NFL star Tom Brady. Her 13-year marriage to Brady, from 2009 to 2022, drew intense media attention, but Gisele consistently shielded her children from the spotlight. Post-divorce, she shares custody of Benjamin and Vivian, who split time between her Miami home and Brady’s residence.
The arrival of her third child, her first with Valente, has reshaped her family dynamic. Sources close to Gisele say she was deeply moved seeing her three children together, noting their seamless bond. Benjamin and Vivian, who train at the Valente Brothers academy, have embraced their new sibling, joining family outings like boat trips and beach days.
Social media response
Gisele’s Instagram post sparked an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike. Fellow models Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrósio left heartfelt comments, praising the tenderness of the moment. Fans lauded Gisele’s authenticity, noting the unpolished, home-captured photo as a refreshing contrast to staged celebrity posts. The hashtag #GiseleBündchen trended on X for hours, with users sharing snippets of the caption and screenshots of the image.
The minimalist approach of the post also drew admiration. Unlike celebrities who opt for elaborate photo shoots, Gisele chose a candid shot, taken at home. The baby’s “I ❤️ mom” onesie became a focal point, with fans speculating it was a deliberate nod to her maternal bond.
- Celebrity reactions: Brazilian models and actresses congratulated Gisele.
- Fan enthusiasm: The #MothersDay hashtag surged alongside her post.
- Authentic appeal: The photo’s simplicity echoed Gisele’s earlier social media style.
Life in Miami
Gisele and her family have called Miami home since 2020, when she and Tom Brady relocated to Florida. After their divorce, Gisele stayed in the city, building a family-centric routine with a focus on outdoor activities. Her multimillion-dollar residence boasts sprawling green spaces, a pool, and proximity to the beach, aligning with her nature-driven lifestyle. Valente, also Miami-based, seamlessly joins family outings and events.
Miami’s tropical climate and laid-back vibe suit Gisele’s current phase. She’s often spotted at local beaches, practicing yoga or surfing, and frequents jiu-jitsu gyms. Paparazzi, however, remain a constant presence, especially since her pregnancy was announced in October 2024.
Gisele’s career in 2025
Despite her family commitments, Gisele remains active professionally. In April 2025, she fronted her first post-birth campaign for a sustainable fashion brand, a choice reflecting her environmental advocacy. She continues to promote her 2024 book, “Nourish: Simple Recipes to Empower Your Body and Feed Your Soul,” which shares recipes and self-care rituals. The book has been translated into five languages, cementing her influence beyond modeling.
Once the world’s highest-paid model for over a decade, Gisele now handpicks projects that align with her values. In recent interviews, she emphasized balancing work with family, cherishing time with her children. Her selective runway appearances still generate buzz in the fashion industry.
- Eco-conscious campaign: Gisele partnered with a brand focused on sustainability.
- Bestselling book: “Nourish” has resonated with global audiences.
- Curated career: She limits public engagements but retains worldwide relevance.
- Environmental advocacy: Gisele supports Amazon reforestation initiatives.
Past with Tom Brady
Gisele’s marriage to Tom Brady, which ended in October 2022, was a media sensation. Over 13 years, the couple amassed a combined fortune estimated at over 500 million dollars. Their amicable divorce included shared custody of Benjamin and Vivian, with both parents prioritizing their children’s stability. Gisele and Brady maintain a cordial co-parenting relationship.
Her relationship with Valente sparked rumors, with some outlets suggesting it began before her divorce. Gisele firmly denied this in a 2023 Vanity Fair interview, clarifying that Valente was a friend and trusted instructor for her children at the time. Her transparency helped quell speculation.
Jiu-jitsu’s role in the family
Jiu-jitsu is a cornerstone of Gisele’s family life. Benjamin started training at the Valente Brothers academy as a child, sparking Gisele’s interest in the martial art. In a 2021 Dust Magazine interview, she described jiu-jitsu as more than self-defense, aligning with her values of discipline and self-awareness. Vivian also trains, and the family attends academy events together.
Valente, a criminology graduate from Barry University, earned his black belt from Grandmaster Hélio Gracie in 2007. His professional connection with Gisele grew into a personal bond, culminating in their shared journey as parents.
- Family tradition: Benjamin and Vivian are regular students at Valente Brothers.
- Jiu-jitsu philosophy: Gisele embraces the art’s focus on respect and resilience.
- Valente’s expertise: He is a respected figure in the jiu-jitsu community.
Family outings
Gisele’s family enjoys frequent outings in Miami. Beyond walks with their dog Alfie, Gisele and Valente have been spotted on yacht trips, a favorite pastime reflecting their affluent lifestyle. The yacht, valued at roughly 1.2 million dollars, hosts family leisure time, with the children enjoying Florida’s sunny coast. Vivian, in particular, has taken to water sports.
Gisele remains hands-on with her older children, attending school events and supporting their hobbies. Benjamin, who turned 15 in December 2024, shows talent in music and sports, while Vivian, 12, often joins her mother on trips, including a 2024 visit to Brazil for the “Nourish” book launch.
Spotlight on the baby’s name
The full name of Gisele’s third child remains partially private, though the middle name, River, has piqued interest. The choice aligns with Gisele’s love for nature, a recurring theme in her life. Close friends hinted that the first name might honor her family, with possibilities like Van (for Vânia), Valdir (her father), or Pat (for her twin sister, Patrícia). Names like Tom, Leonardo, or Josh have been ruled out.
Gisele’s decision to withhold the full name underscores her commitment to her son’s privacy. Despite relentless media attention, she has controlled the narrative, sharing only curated moments like the Mother’s Day post.
- River’s symbolism: The name evokes nature’s flow, dear to Gisele.
- Name speculation: Fans guess the first name may tie to her family.
- Privacy stance: Gisele keeps the full name confidential.
Gisele’s ties to Brazil
Though based in the U.S., Gisele maintains deep roots in Brazil. In 2024, she visited Rio de Janeiro to promote “Nourish,” accompanied by Vivian. The trip, which included book signings and fan meetups, was kept low-key to avoid paparazzi. Gisele also visited her hometown, Horizontina, in Rio Grande do Sul, to reconnect with family.
Her influence in Brazil extends to environmental advocacy, supporting Amazon reforestation and river preservation projects. Brazilian brands frequently seek her endorsement, capitalizing on her enduring popularity.