Gisele Bundchen and hunky jiu-jitsu trainer boyfriend Joaquim Valente have been dating since June and are ‘taking it slow’ – after being seen kissing for the first time

Gisele Bündchen and her handsome Brazilian jiu-jitsu trainer boyfriend Joaquim Valente have been dating since June and are “taking it slow” according to a new report, days after the two shared a passionate kiss for the first time.

The 43-year-old model has made a concerted effort to keep their romance out of the spotlight following her very public split from NFL megastar Tom Brady.

A source said People magazine Wednesday: ‘They have been dating since June. They take it easy.

‘They started off as good friends. She is very private about this and wanted to keep it quiet while they got to know each other.”

Gisele – who split from 46-year-old Brady two years ago – and Joaquim initially had a platonic relationship. However, their situation has evolved slowly over time.

A second source shared, “They started out as friends. He was a huge comfort to Gisele during her divorce. Their friendship turned romantic after the divorce.”

Gisele and the jiu-jitsu instructor actually have a lot in common.

The insider said: “They have similar backgrounds. They both left Brazil very young. They have both created a great life for themselves in the US. They both love Miami, but also love to travel. They both enjoy a healthy life.

“Gisele is in a great space. She is happy and enjoys life immensely. Joaquim is perfect for her.’

Just last week, the supermodel was captured on camera in a passionate embrace with her jiu-jitsu instructor boyfriend Joaquim Valente, finally cementing her relationship with the fitness trainer as they enjoyed a Valentine’s Day date in Miami.

Video footage obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com shows Gisele hugging Joaquim on the street as they stroll through the posh neighborhood where she lives.

The pair reached what appeared to be Joaquim’s car, whereupon the handsome martial arts teacher put an arm around Gisele, who was holding her dog’s leash.

The model, whose divorce from the NFL superstar was finalized in October 2022, reciprocated by draping herself around his neck as she leaned in to exchange several kisses before parting ways.

Although People’s source claims the two have been dating since June 2023, it has previously been reported that the pair have been dating for “well over a year” – but Gisele has yet to publicly discuss their romance, despite saying is often photographed with the instructor.

Rumors of a relationship started circulating when Joaquim was pictured on holiday with Gisele and her children in Costa Rica, just two weeks after her split from Tom. They have also enjoyed trips together to their native Brazil.

Page Six was the first to report that the pair were an item, after sharing photos from a night out in November 2022 and labeling Joaquim as her “new man.”

But insiders have continually tried to quash the “love talk.”with the model itself deflecting when asked about the alleged romance during an interview with Vanity Fair last March.

“I think at this point, unfortunately, because I’m divorced, I’m sure they’re going to try to tie me down to whatever,” she told the publication of the rumors.

She then went on to lavish praise on Joaquim and his brothers Pedro and Gui, who run the Valente Brothers Jiu-Jitsu studio with him.

She continued, “I am so grateful to know them all because not only have they helped me and my children, but they have also become good friends, and Joaquim in particular.

“He is our teacher and, most importantly, he is a person I admire and trust. It’s so good to have that kind of energy, to have my kids around that kind of energy.”

Last month the legendary beauty shared Harper’s Bazaar that she originally took her children to Joaquim’s studio in the hope that they could learn some self-defense skills, although she soon wanted lessons of her own.

But it’s not just jiu-jitsu that the pair enjoy together. They were photographed last May while paddleboarding and horseback riding with her family in Costa Rica.

Gisele was in New York City on Monday night to celebrate her second campaign with denim label Frame for Fashion Week.

She flew back to Miami and was seen taking her German Shepherd for a walk on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Joaquim will certainly have been a source of comfort for the model following the recent loss of her mother, Vania Nonnenmacher, on January 28.

Gisele recently opened up about her healing journey following her death at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer.

Last week, the mother of two shared a photo of herself standing on a balcony watching the sunset peak through the clouds, alongside a moving quote from Ecuadorian author Yung Pueblo.

“Personal transformation is not easy,” the inspiring message began. ‘Healing yourself takes time. Letting go can sometimes be overwhelming.’

The emotional caption also touched on how “building new habits can seem like an uphill battle.”

She told her followers that “with all these challenges, inner work is worth it,” adding, “This active form of self-love can radically change your life.”

Gisele is one of six girls, including her twin brother Patricia and sisters Rafaela, Graziela, Gabriela and Raquel.

Following news of her mother’s death, she shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, which began by admitting that it “hurts to know” she will no longer be able to hug her “beloved mother.”

“But I know you will always watch over us,” she wrote. ‘You were an angel on earth, you always helped everyone around you.’

“I am so grateful to be your daughter and to have learned from you. Thank you for being the best role model of love, strength, compassion, courage and grace.”

The message continued: “I will forever cherish the wonderful memories we shared and will live by the values ​​you taught me.”

Gisele – who shares son Benjamin, 14, and daughter Vivian, 11, with ex-husband Tom – added: “You will live forever because of the many lives you touched.”

Referring to her sisters, she wrote in the caption, “Thank you for giving me five best friends for life. Your love will always guide us.”

It ended: ‘I will see you in my dreams. Love you.’

DailyMail.com has contacted Gisele’s representatives for comment.