Gisele Bündchen, born on July 20, 1980, in Horizontina, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, is one of the most iconic and successful supermodels in history. At 44 years old in 2025, she has built a staggering net worth of $400 million, independent of her former husband Tom Brady’s $250 million fortune. Together, the couple once had a combined net worth of $650 million. Bündchen’s wealth comes from decades of unparalleled success in modeling, endorsements, entrepreneurial ventures, and real estate investments.
Early Life: From Volleyball Dreams to Supermodel Stardom
Raised alongside her five sisters in Southern Brazil, Gisele grew up in a close-knit family of German descent. As a child, she aspired to be a professional volleyball player. However, a modeling course in 1993—intended to help correct her posture—altered the trajectory of her life. The following year, at just 14 years old, Gisele was discovered by Elite Model Management in a shopping mall in São Paulo. She placed second in the Elite Model Look contest, which marked the beginning of her modeling career.
In 1995, Gisele moved to São Paulo to pursue modeling full-time. Her breakthrough came in 1996 during New York Fashion Week, and her career skyrocketed after walking in Alexander McQueen’s Spring 1998 show, where her poise on a slippery runway earned her widespread recognition.
Modeling Career: The Rise of a Brazilian Bombshell
By 1999, Gisele Bündchen had become a global sensation. Her first cover for American Vogue in July 1999 and a second in December of the same year solidified her status as a top model. Rolling Stone named her “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” in 2000, crediting her with creating a new category of models: the Brazilian bombshell. She redefined beauty standards with her curvy figure, departing from the ultra-thin trend of the 1990s.
Gisele dominated the fashion industry, appearing on the covers of 37 international editions of Vogue in 2000 alone. She became a runway favorite for top designers, including Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace, and Christian Dior. From 2000 to 2007, she was the face of Victoria’s Secret, signing a record-breaking $25 million contract with the brand.
Financial Achievements: A $500 Million Career
Over her career, Gisele Bündchen has earned over $500 million from modeling and endorsements alone. She was the highest-paid model in the world for 15 consecutive years, from 2002 to 2017. Her impressive portfolio includes campaigns for Chanel No. 5, Missoni, Ralph Lauren, and Versace. By 2015, she had participated in over 800 fashion shows, appeared on 2,000 magazine covers, and completed more than 3,500 magazine editorials.
Gisele also launched her line of designer sandals, Ipanema, through the Brazilian footwear company Grendene, further boosting her income. Her ventures expanded into publishing with her 2018 memoir, Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, which became a New York Times bestseller.
Real Estate Investments
Gisele has demonstrated sharp business acumen through her real estate ventures. In 2013, she and Tom Brady purchased a plot in Brookline, Massachusetts, for $4.5 million, where they built a custom 10,000-square-foot mansion. They listed the property in 2019 for $39.5 million. She also owns properties in multiple countries, including a Brazilian hotel named Palladium Executive.
Challenges and Resilience: The FTX Collapse
In 2021, Gisele and Tom Brady became brand ambassadors for the cryptocurrency exchange FTX. They were compensated with equity stakes and other incentives, which were valued at $57 million at their peak. However, FTX’s bankruptcy in 2022 rendered their holdings worthless, demonstrating the risks associated with high-profile endorsements. Despite this setback, Gisele’s diversified portfolio has ensured her financial stability.
Personal Life: Balancing Family and Fame
Gisele married NFL quarterback Tom Brady in 2009 in a private ceremony. They have two children, Benjamin (born 2009) and Vivian (born 2012), and Gisele is also a stepmother to Brady’s son from his previous relationship. After 13 years of marriage, the couple divorced in October 2022. Despite their separation, they remain committed to co-parenting their children.
Philanthropy and Environmental Advocacy
Beyond her professional achievements, Gisele is a dedicated philanthropist and environmental advocate. She has supported causes such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Hurricane Katrina relief, and the Zero Hunger campaign. As a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme, she has championed rainforest preservation and reforestation projects.
Acting and Media Ventures
In addition to modeling, Gisele has dabbled in acting, appearing in the 2004 film Taxi alongside Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon, and in the 2006 hit The Devil Wears Prada. She has also been featured in numerous Brazilian television commercials, further solidifying her cultural influence in her home country.
The Legacy of Gisele Bündchen
Gisele Bündchen’s journey from a small town in Brazil to global stardom is a testament to her talent, hard work, and business acumen. As of 2025, her $400 million net worth reflects not only her dominance in the modeling industry but also her success as an entrepreneur and advocate for social and environmental causes. Gisele remains a role model and a pioneer, inspiring millions with her story of resilience and achievement.