Gisele Bündchen (born July 20, 1980) is a Brazilian model, entrepreneur and environmental advocate who became one of the world's most recognizable supermodels in the late 1990s and 2000s. She is known for her editorial and runway work, a long-standing presence in major fashion campaigns, and for launching eco-focused beauty projects such as Sejaa Pure Skincare. Her sustained commercial and editorial success made her one of the highest-paid models globally across multiple years.
Early life
Gisele Caroline Bündchen was born in Horizontina, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil on July 20, 1980. She grew up in a large family in southern Brazil and was discovered as a teenager while living in São Paulo and pursuing modeling opportunities.
Modeling career
Breakthrough & Victoria's Secret
Bündchen rose to international prominence in the late 1990s, becoming a dominant editorial presence and a Victoria’s Secret Angel — a period that cemented her status as a global supermodel and boosted both campaign fees and editorial visibility. Industry outlets repeatedly cited her as a top earner through the 2000s and 2010s.
Commercial & editorial impact
Gisele combined runway, major-brand campaigns, and strategic commercial partnerships, which together produced sustained high earnings and long-term brand equity. Forbes and trade reporting documented her repeated placement at the top of highest-paid-model lists for many years.
Business & Sejaa
Sejaa Pure Skincare is an eco-minded skincare line Gisele launched around 2010; the brand positioned itself on natural ingredients and sustainability messaging and was covered widely in beauty press at launch. Bundchen has also participated in other lifestyle and licensing projects tied to wellness and environment-focused initiatives.
Public image & philanthropy
Bündchen is publicly active on environmental issues, has supported tree-planting and regenerative-agriculture efforts, and served with environmental organizations. Her public image blends fashion prestige with environmental advocacy. In private life, her 13-year marriage to NFL quarterback Tom Brady ended in divorce in 2022; the split and its aftermath received wide press coverage.
Selected appearances
- Major fashion documentaries, specials and magazine features — numerous editorial features and fashion-filmed specials.
- Executive-produced and featured in environmental documentary projects (e.g., Kiss the Ground-related work).[4]
Awards & recognition
- Repeatedly recognized by industry and trade outlets for earnings and influence; listed on Forbes’ highest-paid model lists in multiple years (including top positions across the 2000s and 2010s).
- Environmental and philanthropic awards and board roles in environmental organizations. [4]
2025 overview — ranking & editorial rationale
Highest Paid Models places Gisele Bündchen at #2 for 2025 in our editorial ranking. The placement reflects long-term campaign equity, historical top-earning status, continued public visibility, and founder/brand projects (Sejaa and environmental initiatives). Our methodology uses verifiable campaign income, documented brand revenue where available, and ongoing editorial visibility; this is an editorial ranking, not a financial statement.
References (selected)
- “Gisele Bündchen” — Wikipedia profile (bio basics; early life; career). Accessed Nov 17, 2025.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Gisele Bündchen (biography).
- Vogue / beauty press — Sejaa launch coverage (2010).
- Forbes / highest-paid-model lists (historic coverage and yearly rankings).
- News coverage: Tom Brady & Gisele divorce (Oct 28, 2022).