Candice Swanepoel fueled fresh romance speculation earlier this week after she was photographed wearing a chunky gold band on her engagement finger, shortly after reports claimed she has been seeing Tom Brady “for a while.”
The 38-year-old supermodel prompted even more online chatter when she stepped out without the ring while taking one of her young sons trick-or-treating on Halloween.
Swanepoel, whose beauty and cosmetic-surgery secrets have recently come under scrutiny, embraced a sultry angel-inspired look for the evening. She wore a white slip dress with wings and a mask, while her long blonde hair fell loosely over her bare shoulders.
It remains unclear whether she removed the ring specifically for the Halloween outing or whether there was another explanation for its absence.
The model appeared to be enjoying the family occasion as she guided her son and several other children along a dimly lit street in Miami Beach, Florida, wearing practical Mary Jane shoes.
Her appearance came as speculation continued to surround an alleged relationship between the Victoria’s Secret Angel and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady, 49.
Candice Swanepoel sparked fresh speculation when she appeared without the ring while taking one of her sons trick-or-treating on Halloween, just one day after she was seen wearing a striking ring on her left hand amid rumors of a romance with Tom Brady
Although her finger was bare, Swanepoel’s eye-catching costume included a white slip dress, angel wings and a mask
Neither Swanepoel nor Brady has publicly confirmed that they are a couple.
People reported that the pair have been taking careful steps to avoid attention whenever they spend time together.
“They’ve been dating for a while now,” a source told the publication. “They both live in Miami, so it’s very convenient. They’re spending a lot of time together.”
A second source claimed that the relationship began months ago and that Swanepoel has been highly selective about discussing it.
“When they have met up, they’ve gone [to great] lengths not to be spotted,” the source added.
The source also said the two have found common ground through their experiences as parents.
Brady has son Benjamin, 16, and daughter Vivian, 13, with Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen, as well as son Jack, 19, with his former partner Bridget Moynahan.
Swanepoel shares two sons, Anacan, 10, and Ariel, eight, with her former fiancé Hermann Nicoli. The couple ended their relationship in 2018 after being together for a decade.
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The South African model generated online speculation on Friday after she was seen arriving at Brady’s office in Surfside, Florida, wearing the chunky gold band on her engagement finger
Swanepoel and the former NFL quarterback have reportedly been seeing each other “for a while now.” Above, Brady in 2024
A source told People that the Victoria’s Secret Angel has been “very secretive and selective” about discussing the relationship. Above, Swanepoel in 2025
Since his 2022 divorce from Bundchen, 46, following 13 years of marriage, Brady has largely kept his romantic life away from the public eye. The retired star played for the New England Patriots before finishing his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Even so, he has been linked to a number of high-profile women, including reality television star Kim Kardashian, 46, model Irina Shayk, 40, and media personality Alix Earle, 25.
Earlier this year, Brady suggested that his demanding schedule had left little room for dating.
In January, the seven-time Super Bowl winner told People: “I don’t have much time for a personal life or much time for myself, but I love working, and I love my kids.
“I like to be busy and try to really stay fulfilled in the things I’m doing, so I’m working on some really cool projects and I’m involved with some great teams of people that are doing some really positive things.”
He added: “My oldest [son] is 18. But seeing him thrive and grow, there’s nothing greater for a parent than seeing your kids do well. I’m so blessed in so many parts of my life.”
Swanepoel has also maintained a low profile when it comes to her relationships. In a 2023 interview with V magazine, she said she was “very in tune with my children’s needs, then my own personal needs.”
The reported romance has also allegedly created tension between Swanepoel and her longtime friend Joan Smalls, with whom she has shared a close bond for 15 years.
The reported relationship has allegedly strained Swanepoel’s 15-year friendship with Joan Smalls, who has also been romantically linked to the former NFL star and Fox Sports commentator. Above, Swanepoel and Smalls in 2019
The Puerto Rican model has herself reportedly been romantically involved with Brady, who later became a Fox Sports commentator.
Page Six claimed that Swanepoel had encouraged Smalls to end her relationship with Brady before beginning a romance with him herself.
Smalls is reportedly upset by the situation and has allegedly urged mutual friends to take sides, according to the outlet.
The pair have remained close for 15 years and have appeared together on numerous runways during their highly successful modeling careers.
