World-renowned supermodel Gisele Bündchen, once among the highest-paid models globally, made headlines not just for her spectacular career but for her high-profile relationship with NFL superstar Tom Brady during the mid-2010s. At the peak of her modeling success, Bündchen made the conscious decision to step away from the limelight to embrace motherhood while Brady continued his celebrated football career.
The Shocking Reality of Motherhood
In her deeply personal 2018 memoir Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, the Brazilian beauty revealed the unexpected difficulties she faced after becoming a mother. Bündchen confessed feeling like she had lost her identity in the transition to parenthood.
"When I became a mom, I kind of lost myself. It was like a part of me died," the former Victoria's Secret angel wrote in her popular book. "I'd been this very independent person. It was all about me... But now I had this little being, and I suddenly felt I couldn't do other things and that was very hard for me."
What made her confession particularly poignant was her admission that despite always wanting children, the actual experience proved overwhelming. "All I ever wanted was to be a mom, but when you're actually experiencing that, it's a shock," she revealed.
The Weight of Maternal Guilt
In an emotional interview with PEOPLE magazine, Bündchen elaborated on the intense guilt that plagued her early parenting years. She described suffering from "horrible, self-imposed guilt" that made her question her capabilities as a mother.
"I thought what a terrible mother I was for leaving my child even for like a day," she shared. Even when she attempted to balance work and motherhood by bringing her children on professional assignments, the guilt persisted. "I was feeling guilty for that too. Like, 'Here we are on a plane and the baby is crying.'"
This constant emotional struggle ultimately led to her dramatic career decision. Bündchen chose to leave her wildly successful modeling career entirely to focus on raising her family with Tom Brady, prioritizing her children's upbringing over professional achievements.
From Marriage Struggles to Divorce
While Gisele Bündchen dedicated herself completely to motherhood and family life, rumors began circulating about troubles in her marriage to Tom Brady. Despite initial denials from both parties, the couple shocked fans worldwide by announcing their divorce in October 2022, ending their marriage of over thirteen years.
The post-divorce chapter has seen both individuals move in different directions. Bündchen has embraced motherhood once again, welcoming a son with her current boyfriend Joaquim Valente. Meanwhile, Tom Brady has remained officially single while navigating life after his legendary football career.
The story of Gisele Bündchen's transformation from global supermodel to dedicated mother highlights the complex challenges many women face when balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities, even among the world's most successful individuals.
