Candice Swanepoel, the renowned South African model best known for her tenure as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, has shared insights into her life as a mother of two sons, Anacan and Ariel. The model, who has recently been in the media spotlight, welcomed her first child, Anacan, in October 2016, followed by the birth of Ariel in June 2018.
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Swanepoel experienced a significant transition in her life with the birth of her children. She commemorated her inaugural Mother’s Day in May 2017 with a heartfelt post on Instagram, reflecting on the profound changes that motherhood brings. “What a gift and precious responsibility it is to bring a new soul into the world,” she expressed at the time, emphasising her commitment to love and nurture her children. This milestone represented a new beginning for her, marking the moment her life truly transformed after becoming a mother.

While Swanepoel and her former fiancé, Hermann Nicoli, originally planned for a family together, the couple parted ways in 2018. Despite their separation, they have remained focused on co-parenting their children. In a recent development, it was confirmed that Swanepoel is now in a relationship with Tom Brady, a retired NFL star, further capturing the public’s interest.
Anacan, currently 10 years old, was named with inspiration from Nicoli’s Brazilian heritage. Swanepoel explained that the name Anacan is derived from an indigenous term in the Amazon. “We added an ‘n’ to the end of his name for clarity,” she told the media, as she aimed to preserve the original essence while making it easier for those in their current home to pronounce. Anacan spent the early months of his life in Brazil but later moved to New York City with Swanepoel, where he has since captivated audiences with his charm.
As Anacan grew, he has shown an early interest in modelling, making his debut in a Gap campaign alongside his mother. Swanepoel acknowledged that motherhood varies greatly among women and expressed pride in sharing her own maternal experiences. “Motherhood is so different for each woman – it’s your unique journey,” she said, showcasing her dedication to both her personal and professional commitments.
In June 2018, Anacan welcomed a younger brother, Ariel, pushing him into the role of a big brother at the tender age of two. The transition was amusing for Swanepoel, who observed that Anacan was learning how to manage his affection for his new sibling. “He doesn’t know how to deal with the love,” she revealed in a candid interview, noting that Anacan displayed his affection through an abundance of kisses for the infant Ariel.
Eight-year-old Ariel encapsulates joy in his mother’s eyes. After his birth, Swanepoel commented that raising two children under two years was both “intense” and “amazing.” While admitting that the second child can be easier in some respects, she acknowledged the challenges that come with managing their complex dynamics: “The situation of having two makes it harder,” she confessed.
When speaking about Ariel’s personality, Swanepoel described him as “the happiest baby you will ever meet.” She fondly calls him her “little lion boy” for his lively spirit. His fourth birthday in 2022 saw Swanepoel express pride, as she noted his strength, carefreeness, and sense of humour, stating that he has a way of bringing smiles and laughter into her life.
In a recent project, both Anacan and Ariel joined their mother for a photoshoot featured in Vogue’s winter issue. Swanepoel highlighted the joy of having her children collaborate with her professionally, referring to them as a source of ‘extra sunshine’ that day.
Through her social media platforms, Swanepoel frequently shares moments from her life with Anacan and Ariel, offering glimpses into the day-to-day joys and challenges of motherhood. Her journey as a mother, filled with laughter, love, and the occasional chaos of life with two young boys, continues to resonate with fans and followers alike.
