Gisele Bündchen, a Brazilian supermodel, has amassed a remarkable net worth of $400 million. This fortune is separate from her former husband Tom Brady’s estimated $250 million fortune, which means they had a combined net worth of $650 million during their marriage.
Interestingly, Gisele’s wealth exceeds that of Tom in terms of earnings. While Tom Brady earned $330 million during his first 20 years in the NFL through salary and endorsements, Gisele surpassed that, earning over $500 million from her modeling career alone.
Gisele Bündchen: The Brazilian Supermodel Who Defined an Era
Gisele Bündchen is considered one of the last great supermodels. Her career began in the late 1990s, and she quickly rose to prominence, setting the standard for Brazilian models.
She played an instrumental role in changing the perception of Brazilian models in the industry, contributing to their reputation for being professional, intelligent, and great businesspeople.
Bündchen’s influence extended far beyond her looks. She revolutionized the fashion industry by bringing back the idea of the “curvy” model at a time when the emaciated, skinny look dominated the runway.
She has been one of the most recognizable faces in the fashion world and is often credited with helping popularize the concept of the “Brazilian bombshell.”
Modeling Career: From a Mall Discovery to Superstardom
Gisele’s modeling journey began in 1993 when she attended a modeling course to correct her posture.
A year later, she was discovered by Elite Model Management while shopping in a São Paulo mall. Her career took off from there, and by 1996, she was walking in major runway shows during New York Fashion Week.
Gisele’s big break came in 1997 when she was chosen to walk in Alexander McQueen’s Spring 1998 ready-to-wear show. She was noticed for her ability to walk in high heels on a slippery runway, a skill that set her apart.
Throughout her career, Gisele appeared in ad campaigns for major fashion houses like Missoni, Valentino, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace.
She was also frequently featured on the covers of renowned magazines, including Vogue Paris, British Vogue, and i-D. Her first cover of American Vogue came in 1999, and by 2000, she had graced the covers of 37 international Vogue editions, solidifying her status as a global supermodel.
Highest Paid Model in the World
From 2002 to 2017, Gisele Bündchen was the highest-paid model in the world. In 2000, she signed a $25 million contract with Victoria’s Secret, and over the years, she became synonymous with the brand.
During this period, she wore two of the most expensive Victoria’s Secret Fantasy Bras ever created—the $15 million Red Hot Fantasy Bra in 2000 and the $12.5 million Sexy Splendor Fantasy Bra in 2005. Her success with Victoria’s Secret helped her build a lucrative career outside of runway shows.
In addition to her contract with Victoria’s Secret, Gisele also earned substantial sums from other endorsements and campaigns.
By 2015, she had appeared in over 500 ad campaigns, 800 fashion shows, and over 3,500 magazine editorials.
Ventures Outside of Modeling: Gisele’s Business Empire
While Gisele is best known for her modeling career, she has also diversified her earnings through other ventures.
She launched a line of designer sandals under the Brazilian footwear company Grendene, and she owns a Brazilian hotel called Palladium Executive.
Her ability to successfully branch out into business has contributed significantly to her impressive wealth.
Additionally, Gisele is a successful author. In 2018, she released her book, Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, which became a New York Times bestseller in the U.S. and a top-seller in Brazil. All proceeds from her book went toward supporting social and environmental causes.
Acting Career: From Supermodel to Actress
While Gisele Bündchen is primarily known as a supermodel, she has also ventured into acting. She co-starred in the 2004 remake of Taxi alongside Queen Latifah and Jimmy Fallon.
In 2006, she appeared in The Devil Wears Prada in a supporting role. Although her acting career was brief, it showcased her versatility and further solidified her fame beyond the runway.
Real Estate Investments: Gisele’s Luxurious Properties
Gisele Bündchen has invested heavily in real estate over the years, with properties in Massachusetts, New York City, Brentwood, Florida, and Montana.
Massachusetts
In 2013, Gisele and Tom Brady purchased a $4.5 million lot in a gated community in Brookline, Massachusetts. They built a 10,000-square-foot mansion on the property, listing it for $39.5 million in 2019.
Brentwood, California
In 2009, Gisele and Tom bought an undeveloped plot of land in Brentwood, Los Angeles, for $9 million. Over the next three years, they spent $20 million constructing a 14,000-square-foot mansion. The house, which was designed with eco-friendly materials, was sold to Dr. Dre in 2014 for $50 million, earning the couple a $21 million profit.
New York City
In 2018, they purchased a $25.5 million penthouse unit in a building in New York City. They later sold it in 2020 for $40 million, making a significant profit.
Florida
Gisele and Tom’s most recent real estate investment is a $17 million estate on Miami’s exclusive Indian Creek island, known as “Billionaire Bunker.” They plan to tear down the existing mansion to build a larger one on the two-acre property.
Montana
Gisele and Tom also own property at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana. The club’s properties are highly exclusive, with condos selling for over $6 million and luxury homes costing upwards of $30 million.
Personal Life: Marriage to Tom Brady and Humanitarian Efforts
Gisele Bündchen’s personal life has also been a major point of public interest. She dated model Scott Barnhill and actor Josh Hartnett before being in a long-term relationship with actor Leonardo DiCaprio from 2000 to 2005.
Gisele and Tom Brady began dating in 2006, after being introduced on a blind date by a mutual friend. The couple married in 2009, with a second ceremony in Costa Rica. Together, they have two children: a son born in 2009 and a daughter born in 2012.
In October 2022, after years of rumors, Gisele and Tom officially divorced.
Aside from her modeling career, Gisele has been deeply involved in humanitarian efforts. She has supported environmental and social causes, including working with the UN Environment Programme to promote reforestation and environmental preservation.
She has also contributed to campaigns like Product Red and Zero Hunger, along with raising funds for Hurricane Katrina relief and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
FTX Collapse: Financial Setback
In 2021, Gisele and Tom Brady signed endorsement deals with the cryptocurrency exchange FTX, which involved them becoming brand ambassadors for the company.
However, FTX collapsed in November 2022, and its CEO Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested for wire fraud and money laundering.
Gisele and Tom were reported to have equity in the company, which, at its peak, was valued at $57 million.
Unfortunately, following the company’s bankruptcy, it is unlikely that they will receive any compensation for their shares.
