Introduction
Tom Brady’s ex-wife is Gisele Caroline Bündchen, a Brazilian supermodel born on July 20, 1980, in Horizontina, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Tom Brady is a legendary NFL quarterback known for winning seven Super Bowl titles across his career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Brady’s name is tied to football greatness, many fans searching for tom brady’s ex wife want to know more about the woman who was married to him for 13 years. This article covers everything about Gisele Bündchen — her early life, modeling career, how she met Brady, their marriage, their two children, and where she stands today after their 2022 divorce.
Who Is Gisele Bündchen?
Gisele Caroline Bündchen was born on July 20, 1980, in the small farming town of Horizontina in southern Brazil. She is Brazilian by nationality and has German ancestry through her parents, Valdir Bündchen, a college professor, and Vânia Nonnenmacher, a bank clerk. Gisele grew up alongside five sisters, including her fraternal twin, Patrícia, in a modest, close-knit household that valued hard work and education.
As a teenager, Gisele was more interested in volleyball than fashion. Everything changed at age 14 when she was discovered by a modeling scout from Elite Model Management during a school trip to São Paulo. She later studied at a local school in Horizontina before relocating to pursue modeling full-time, eventually moving to São Paulo and then New York City to launch her international career. Her striking height of 5 feet 11 inches and natural runway presence quickly caught the industry’s attention, setting the stage for one of the most successful modeling careers in history.
Gisele Bündchen’s Career & Professional Life
Gisele rose to fame in the late 1990s, and Vogue famously credited her with ending the “heroin chic” modeling trend by ushering in a healthier, more athletic look. She became one of Victoria’s Secret’s most recognizable Angels between 2000 and 2006 and has walked runways for Chanel, Dior, and Versace, while appearing on countless magazine covers worldwide.
Since 2004, Gisele has consistently ranked as one of the highest-paid models globally. Beyond modeling, she has built a business empire that includes a sandal line, skincare products, and a bestselling memoir. She also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme, focusing on sustainability and environmental education. Gisele’s estimated net worth is around $400 million, built through decades of modeling contracts, endorsement deals, and smart business ventures. Even after stepping back from the runway in recent years, she remains a global brand and an influential voice in fashion and environmental activism.
How Did Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen Meet?
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen were set up on a blind date in December 2006 through a mutual friend. At the time, Brady had recently ended his relationship with actress Bridget Moynahan, with whom he shares his eldest son, Jack. Gisele and Tom hit it off quickly, and their relationship became public soon after.
The couple kept much of their courtship private, but reports suggest the relationship moved fast, with the two becoming inseparable within months. By 2009, after roughly two and a half years of dating, Brady proposed to Gisele. The engagement wasn’t accompanied by a flashy public announcement — true to their style, the couple preferred to keep major life moments low-key and away from paparazzi attention, choosing to share details only after the fact.
Marriage & Wedding Details
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen tied the knot in a private, intimate ceremony in Santa Monica, California, in February 2009. The wedding was famously low-profile, with the couple keeping guest lists small and details tightly under wraps to avoid media attention. Later that same year, they held a second, more elaborate ceremony in Costa Rica so that extended family and friends could celebrate with them in a more relaxed, tropical setting.
The Santa Monica ceremony took place just weeks before the birth of their first child together, adding to the sense that the couple wanted to formalize their commitment quietly and on their own terms rather than turning it into a media spectacle.
Children & Family Life
Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen share two children: son Benjamin Rein Brady, born in December 2009, and daughter Vivian Lake Brady, born in December 2012. Brady also has an older son, Jack, from his prior relationship with Bridget Moynahan, and Gisele has often spoken warmly about her role as a stepmother to him.
Throughout their marriage, the family split time between Massachusetts, Florida, and their vacation home in Costa Rica. Gisele has been open about prioritizing her children, and after the divorce, both she and Brady emphasized co-parenting. In interviews, Gisele has said that raising kids across two households comes with challenges but that consistency and communication help the family adjust. The two have made joint appearances at their children’s events since the split, showing a united front for their kids.
Gisele Bündchen on Social Media
Gisele Bündchen maintains an active presence on Instagram, where she shares glimpses of her modeling work, family moments, wellness routines, and environmental advocacy. She has amassed tens of millions of followers, making her one of the most-followed models in the world.
Her posts often highlight sustainable living, yoga, nature, and healthy eating, reflecting her long-standing interest in wellness and environmental causes. She occasionally shares throwback modeling photos alongside campaigns for brands she partners with, balancing her public image as a supermodel with a more personal, reflective tone since her divorce from Brady.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gisele Caroline Bündchen |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1980 |
| Nationality | Brazilian |
| Profession | Model, Businesswoman, Environmental Activist |
| Married to | Tom Brady (divorced) |
| Marriage Year | 2009 |
| Children | 2 (Benjamin and Vivian) with Brady |
| Net Worth | Approximately $400 million |
FAQ Section
Q: What is Tom Brady’s ex-wife’s name? A: Tom Brady’s ex-wife is Gisele Caroline Bündchen, a Brazilian supermodel. They were married from 2009 until their divorce was finalized in October 2022.
Q: How old is Gisele Bündchen? A: Gisele Bündchen was born on July 20, 1980, in Horizontina, Brazil. That makes her in her mid-40s as of 2026.
Q: What does Gisele Bündchen do for a living? A: Gisele is a world-famous supermodel, former Victoria’s Secret Angel, and businesswoman. She also works as an environmental activist and UN Goodwill Ambassador.
Q: When did Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen get married? A: The couple married in a private ceremony in Santa Monica, California, in February 2009, followed by a second celebration in Costa Rica later that year.
Q: How many kids do Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen have? A: Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen have two children together, son Benjamin (born 2009) and daughter Vivian (born 2012). Brady also has an older son, Jack, from a previous relationship.
Conclusion
Gisele Bündchen is far more than just a name attached to a famous athlete — she is a self-made supermodel, entrepreneur, and environmental advocate with a legacy that stands on its own. As tom brady’s ex wife, she shared 13 years of marriage, two children, and a very public life with the NFL legend before their amicable divorce in 2022. Today, both Gisele and Tom continue to co-parent their kids while pursuing their individual paths, and Gisele remains one of the most recognizable and respected names in the modeling world.
