'I was torn': Tom Brady's ex-wife Gisele Bündchen sparked national outrage after criticizing Brazil's 2014 FIFA World Cup
Gisele Bündchen navigated a complex role as Brazil hosted major global events (Getty Images)
When Brazil played host to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and later the 2016 Rio Olympics, one of the most iconic faces of the country, supermodel Gisele Bündchen, found herself caught between national pride and personal values.
As the spotlight turned toward Brazil, with the world watching, Gisele made headlines not just for her dazzling runway performance but also for her outspoken concerns about the country's priorities.
Gisele Bündchen had strong feelings about Brazil hosting the World Cup
In her memoir Lessons: My Path to a Meaningful Life, Bündchen opened up about the internal conflict she faced when invited to participate in the 2014 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony. Despite her excitement about representing her homeland, she revealed serious reservations about the allocation of resources.
'When I was asked to take part in the opening ceremonies of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, I was torn,' Bündchen wrote. 'Like a lot of Brazilians, I believed Brazil could have used the money being spent on stadiums and running tracks for other, more urgently needed things, like improving hospitals, schools, and the infrastructure.'
Gisele Bündchen´s catwalk at the Rio 2016 Olympics Opening Ceremony
Her words resonated with millions of Brazilians who had protested the country's spending on the global event while basic needs remained unmet.
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She wasn't just another celebrity waving a flag—she used her platform to highlight the tension between celebration and necessity.
Walking the longest runway of her life under global scrutiny
Despite her concerns, Gisele ultimately chose to participate in the Rio Olympics opening ceremony, an event she called 'a very special moment for my country.' Speaking to People, she admitted:
'This is for sure the longest runway I have ever walked in my life and by far with the most amount of people watching, so it is a little nerve-wracking I must say.'
Her graceful walk during the ceremony became a symbol of Brazilian pride, but it didn't shield her from criticism. Some viewers dismissed her involvement as excessive or unnecessary, reflecting the larger frustrations around the event's spending.
Tom Brady, her then husband, stood by her side amid the backlash. Sharing his admiration in a heartfelt message, he wrote: 'Gisele, words can't describe how proud I was to watch you represent your country. I love you.' Brady even translated the note to Portuguese to reach her fans back home.
Also Read:
'Biggest killer': Tom Brady's ex-wife Gisele Bündchen faced backlash after risking their baby's life in reckless ATV joyride with no helmet
In retrospect, Gisele Bündchen's involvement in these global events remains both iconic and complex—a blend of patriotism, activism, and elegance that made her runway moment unforgettable.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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