When Gisele Bündchen and Tom Bradyannounced their divorce on Oct 28, not many of us were surprised by the news. After all, rumors that they’ve been struggling have been circulating for months after Brady’s decision to “un-retire” from football.
And though much of their 13-year relationship has been kept private over the years, both Brady and Bündchen have been open about their problems recently. “I’ve done my part, which is [to] be there for [Tom],” the Brazilian supermodel told ELLE in 2023. “I moved to Boston, and I focused on creating a cocoon and a loving environment for my children to grow up in and to be there supporting him and his dreams.”
Even though she doesn’t regret it, she shared she has much more she wants for the future. “I have a huge list of things that I have to do, that I want to do,” Bündchen added. “At 42, I feel more connected with my purpose.”
As for Brady, he didn’t seem to be budging on his plans anytime soon. “I love the sport, I love the teammates, and I want to go do a good job for this team like I always have,” he said in a post-game interview “So, no retirement in my future.”
Now that the duo is finally over, we’re taking a moment to look back on their biggest relationship moments. After all, with 13 years under their belts, they’ve created a beautiful family and a wonderful life together. Even though one chapter is closing, all the past ones are important too. Check out some of the couple’s biggest milestones below.
End of 2006: Bündchen & Brady Meet Through Friends
“I knew right way — the first time I saw him,” Bündchen told Vanity Fair in 2009 about meeting the football star. “We met through a friend. The moment I saw him, he smiled and I was like, ‘That is the most beautiful, charismatic smile I’ve ever seen!’ We sat and talked for three hours. I had to go home for Christmas, but I didn’t want to leave. You know that feeling of, like, you can’t get enough? From the first day we met, we’ve never spent one day without speaking to each other.”
2007: Trouble in Paradise
Though the duo instantly connected, they didn’t stay in the honeymoon phase for long. Two months after they began dating, Brady found out his ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan was expecting his first child, Us Magazine reported. “I felt my world had been turned upside down,” Bündchen wrote in her 2018 memoir.
Nevertheless, the two stayed together and Bündchen embraced Brady’s son, now 15-year-old John Edward Thomas Moynahan, as her own.
January 2009: Bündchen & Brady Get Engaged
In Jan of 2009, after two years of dating, the couple got engaged.
February 2009: Bündchen & Brady Tie the Knot
In 2009, the cute couple got married not once, but twice! Their first wedding was in California and the second took place in Costa Rica at Bündchen’s home, per People magazine.
December 2009: Family of Four!
In December of 2009, Bündchen and Brady welcomed their first son together, Benjamin Rein Brady.
December 2012: Vivian Makes Five!
Three years later, Brady and Bündchen added their last member of the newest family of five: now 9-year-old Vivian Brady.
February 2019: 10-Year Strong
In 2019, the oh-so-lovey couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary.
In a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Brady shared a picture of the two on their wedding on Instagram. “Ten years ago, I didn’t realize how much I could love you and the family we created together,” the athlete wrote in the caption. “My heart is so full and I am so blessed! I know our journey has not been easy, but the challenges we have overcome have made our bond stronger and our love grow deeper. Thank you for loving me, for supporting my dreams, and for nurturing our family in the way that only you could. You are my rock, my love and my light! I love you and I love our family!”
2022: Rumors Begin Swirling
In January of 2022, Brady announced to the world his plans to retire from football – and Bündchen was all for it. Not long after, in March, Brady revealed his plans to “un-retire.” Unsurprisingly, Bündchen wasn’t too pleased with the news. Rumors of a potential split started swirling as she missed his first games of the season and he took time off “for personal reasons,” People reported.
October 2022: It’s Officially Over
On Oct 28, Brady and Bündchen announced on social media that they’ve finalized their divorce. “With much gratitude for our time together, Tom and I have amicably finalized our divorce,” wrote Bündchen. “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 supermodel went on to note that “the decision to end a marriage is never easy” and they had “grown apart.” She added that she was “blessed for the time [they] had together and only wish the best for Tom always.” Brady echoed many of his ex-wife’s sentiments saying that their family “will continue to be the center of [their] world in every way.” He added that the decision to divorce is “painful and difficult” but they “wish only the best for each other” as they “pursue whatever new chapters in [their] lives that are yet to be written.”
Oct 2022-Now: Dating After Divorce & Co-Parenting
After Bündchen and Brady’s breakup, Brady started seeing model Irina Shayk, and Bündchen was immediately linked to Joaquim Valente, after originally meeting in Dec 2021. They’ve also continued to co-parent three children together.
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