'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.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Concentrated Siberian Ginseng Extract 2oz
Superior Ginseng
Undo
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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Indian entrepreneur Mona Patel on Jeff Bezoz and Lauren Sánchez's wedding: My heart was filled with love and emotion witnessing this magical union and beautiful vows
Philanthropist and entrepreneur Mona Patel, accompanied by her husband Dr. Chintan Desai, made a glamorous arrival in Venice this weekend for the much-anticipated wedding of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and media personality Lauren Sánchez. Dressed in head-to-toe Dolce & Gabbana, Mona joined an exclusive guest list that included global A-listers, tech moguls, and Hollywood royalty. 'My heart was filled with love and emotion witnessing this magical union and beautiful vows,' she told us. 'Lauren looked radiant, and every detail felt deeply personal and full of heart. I felt honored to witness such an intimate and meaningful moment in their lives. Lauren is one of the most generous, radiant souls I know, and seeing her so happy was incredibly moving. She brings light wherever she goes.' The wedding, held at a private palazzo overlooking the Grand Canal, was a blend of old-world Venetian romance and contemporary luxury. With candlelit tables, opulent florals, and gondoliers ferrying guests along the water, the multi-day celebration was as extravagant as it was heartfelt. Sources close to the event say the couple exchanged vows during golden hour, with Lauren wearing a custom couture gown and Jeff keeping it classic in a white tuxedo. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scam Exposed: What They Won't Tell You about zero trust! Expertinspector Click Here Undo The weekend included private dinners, an art-themed cocktail reception, and a farewell brunch hosted on a yacht. While guests kept most of the details off social media, insiders say the atmosphere was equal parts luxurious and heartfelt — a true reflection of the couple's journey together. A who's who of global VIPs gathered in Venice to celebrate Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's lavish three-day wedding, which took place June 26–28 on San Giorgio Maggiore. Around 200 guests included media moguls Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King; tech legend Bill Gates; sports icon Tom Brady; Hollywood elites Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Sydney Sweeney, and Ellie Goulding; music legends Usher, Mick Jagger, and Jewel; as well as members of the Kardashian–Jenner clan — Kim, Khloé, Kylie, Kendall, Kris — plus Ivanka Trump with Jared Kushner and their three children; Queen Rania of Jordan; Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller; and other luminaries in entertainment, business, and royalty
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
Shefali Jariwala's demise: Everything we know so far about the tragic loss
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) Shefali Jariwala, best known as the unforgettable 'Kaanta Laga' girl, passed away unexpectedly on June 27 at age 42. She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, late Friday night (June 27). Reportedly, she was declared dead on arrival at 11:15 PM. Here is everything we know so far. Possible triggers: Fasting, injections & a risky routine Initial reports suggest her death may have been caused by cardiac arrest. However, more details have emerged pointing toward a combination of low blood pressure, gastric distress, and possibly self-medication. As reported by NDTV, Shefali had been fasting for a religious puja that day and reportedly consumed stale fried rice in the afternoon. She also took an anti-ageing injection, something she'd been doing monthly for years, without recent medical advice. Use of Glutathione, vitamin C injections, and acidity pills According to the reports, the police found glutathione (a skin-whitening drug), vitamin C injections, and acidity pills at her residence. Medical experts warn that such treatments, especially during fasting, can put immense strain on the heart. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Reportedly, Shefali had been taking these injections regularly for 7–8 years, thinking it helped her look younger. Shefali Jariwala Dies At 42, Devastated Husband Parag Tyagi Breaks Down Outside Hospital Reports say that Shefali's doctor said that she had visited their clinic just three months before her demise. Adding to Shefali's health issues, she was also diagnosed with epilepsy at age 15. No foul play, but questions remain The postmortem was conducted at Cooper Hospital, and video documentation was done. Mumbai Police currently suspects that the cause of death was natural. Reportedly, no foul play was involved. However, they are closely examining whether self-medication and unsupervised anti-ageing regimens were a major final medical report is awaited. Shefali Jariwala is survived by her husband.
Time of India
31 minutes ago
- Time of India
Priyamani's fiery comeback in ‘The Good Wife'; Tamil courtroom thriller hits on July 4—deets inside
The 'Good Wife' is a powerful Tamil courtroom drama that marks a fresh turn in digital storytelling. Starring the talented Priyamani in the lead role and directed by the talented Revathy, the series promises a compelling mix of emotion, suspense, and resilience. The Good Wife explores how a woman finds her strength when her world collapses, and how she reclaims her identity through grit and courage. Come, let's see where you can watch it and when it's releasing. About the Series The new Tamil web series 'Good Wife' is a courtroom drama that narrates the emotional journey of a woman who becomes stronger in the midst of a crisis, it is a remake of the popular American series The 'Good Wife', which was enjoyed globally for its gripping narrative and court drama. The Tamil version has the same intensity but with a local twist, thus it becomes more authentic to Indian viewers. The web series is directed by Revathy, the famous actor and director who is now making her directorial debut in a web series. Plot of the Series The story revolves around Priyamani's character, a wife whose life is shattered when her husband's scandalous video goes viral, threatening their 16-year marriage. To reclaim her life, she returns to the courtroom as a working lawyer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Now, she must face a new world of legal challenges while dealing with the emotional pain of betrayal and public attention. It's a story of a woman who rises again with courage and determination. Where to Watch and Release Date O ne unique aspect of 'Good Wife' is that it will come out in seven Indian languages: Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi. The broad release allows the show to reach a wide audience throughout India. Good Wife will begin streaming on JioHotstar from 4th July 2025. The entire series will be released simultaneously so that viewers can binge-watch the entire season at once. Good Wife is predicted to be one of the top Tamil OTT releases for this year because it has a good story and a talented cast. Cast of the Series National Award-winning actress Priyamani will be seen playing the lead of the wife. She makes her web series debut in a Tamil web series. She is likely to perform well, as she is playing the role of a woman who struggles both within the courtroom and in life. Sampath Raj will be seen playing the husband whose decisions bring about the crisis, and Aari Arujunan will be seen playing another crucial character supporting the plot. With a talented cast, experienced direction, and a strong script, the show is sure to be a must-watch. It will particularly appeal to those who love emotional drama with the message of empowerment.
