Ever since Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen called it quits, the world has been obsessed with who the retired quarterback would date next. It’s natural. You take a guy who spent two decades winning Super Bowls and pair him with a high-profile divorce, and the paparazzi are going to follow him to the grocery store if they have to. Enter Irina Shayk.
When photos first dropped of Tom caressing Irina’s face in his car back in the summer of 2023, the internet basically melted. It felt like the ultimate power couple pivot. But then things got quiet. Then they got loud again. Now, in 2026, we’re looking back at a timeline that was way more complicated than just two famous people grabbing sushi.
Honestly, the Irina Shayk Tom Brady connection is a masterclass in how modern celebrities handle "situationships." It wasn't a marriage track. It wasn't a total flop either. It was something in between.
The Spark in Sardinia and the Summer of 2023
It all started at a wedding. Because of course it did. In June 2023, billionaire art heir Joe Nahmad married Madison Headrick in Sardinia, Italy. The guest list was a "who's who" of people with too much money and very good bone structure. Tom was there. Irina was there.
Initial reports were kind of wild. Some tabloids claimed Irina was "throwing herself" at Tom, which her team later shot down as totally malicious and fake. But the smoke usually means there's fire. A few weeks later, the fire was caught on camera.
In July 2023, the world got the proof. Tom picked Irina up at the Hotel Bel-Air, and they headed back to his place in Los Angeles. The photos of them in his Rolls-Royce—where he’s seen very affectionately touching her face—confirmed that this wasn't just a "friends at a wedding" thing.
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A Global Game of Hide and Seek
For a few months, they were everywhere but nowhere.
- London: They spent 48 hours "holed up" at the Twenty Two hotel in August.
- New York: Low-key sushi dates where they tried to blend in (spoiler: it didn't work).
- Miami: Where Tom was setting up his post-retirement life.
But here’s the kicker: they both have huge, complicated lives. Irina has a daughter with Bradley Cooper, and Tom has his kids with Gisele and Bridget Moynahan. Plus, Tom was transitioning into his massive Fox Sports broadcasting deal. By October 2023, sources told People and TMZ that the romance had "fizzled." No drama. No cheating. Just two people who couldn't find a flight to the same city at the same time.
Why the Irina Shayk Tom Brady Connection Refuses to Die
You’d think that would be the end of it. In the world of PR-managed breakups, "fizzled" usually means "deleted from the contacts list." But Tom and Irina didn't follow the script.
By early 2024, they were spotted at Brasserie Fouquet's in Lower Manhattan. Then came the whispers in late 2024 and throughout 2025. Insiders started using a word we’ve all grown to love or hate: situationship.
Recent reports from late 2025 and moving into 2026 suggest they’ve basically pioneered a "no strings attached" model for the A-list. One insider mentioned they are "officially single if anyone asks," but they still find time to be together when their schedules align. It’s a very 2026 way of dating.
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"Tom and Irina are on the same page. They're not looking for anything serious or to go exclusive. They find time to be with each other when they can, and that's that." — Source via Daily Mail, December 2025.
The Bradley Cooper and Gisele Factor
You can't talk about Irina Shayk Tom Brady without talking about the exes. It’s impossible.
Irina’s relationship with Bradley Cooper is famously tight. They co-parent beautifully, but it definitely adds a layer of "will they, won't they" to her own life. In August 2023, right in the middle of her hottest months with Tom, she was on vacation in Italy with Bradley. People went nuts. Was she choosing the father of her child over the NFL legend?
On Tom’s side, Gisele was reportedly "not happy" initially, though she later moved on with her jujitsu instructor, Joaquim Valente. By the time 2026 rolled around, the dust had settled. Everyone is just trying to live their lives without making it a tabloid war.
The Current Status: Where Are They Now?
As of early 2026, the vibe is "casual but consistent." Tom is fully immersed in his broadcasting career and his minority ownership of the Las Vegas Raiders. Irina is still the face of every major fashion campaign.
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They aren't walking red carpets together. They aren't posting "soft launches" on Instagram. Instead, they’re doing the "cloak and dagger" thing. Sources say Irina will sometimes "sneak onto his property" in Miami to avoid the paps.
It’s a mature approach. When you’re 48 (Tom) and 40 (Irina), you don't need the validation of a "relationship status" on Facebook. You just need someone who gets the pressure of being a global icon.
What This Tells Us About Modern Celebrity Dating
The Irina Shayk Tom Brady saga is actually a pretty interesting look at how the "Upper Echelon" dates now. It’s not about the "Happily Ever After." It’s about the "Happy Right Now."
Actionable Insights for the Curious:
- Look for the "Situationship" Signs: If you see two celebs dating for three months, "breaking up," and then being spotted a year later, they’re likely in a low-pressure loop. It’s efficient.
- The "No Drama" Policy: Notice how there are no leaked "angry" texts? Both Brady and Shayk have high-value brands. They’ve clearly agreed that any public fallout is bad for business.
- Co-Parenting Prioritization: Both stars have made it clear their kids come first. Any partner they bring into their lives has to be okay with being #2 or #3 on the priority list.
Don't expect an engagement ring anytime soon. Actually, don't expect a public confirmation at all. They’ve found a rhythm that works for them, away from the cameras and the expectations of a traditional "couple."
If you're following the Irina Shayk Tom Brady story, keep an eye on Miami and NYC during the fashion and football off-seasons. That’s usually when the "casual" reunions happen. For now, they’re just two of the most successful people in the world enjoying each other's company when the stars align.
To stay updated on their specific movements, you should follow verified social media accounts of major fashion outlets and reputable sports journalists, as they often catch the first glimpses of these low-profile meetups before the tabloids even get a whiff.