Last week, Israeli model Mishel Gerzig and Real Madrid's goalie Thibaut Courtois, celebrated their first wedding anniversary. Since their wedding, they have welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Eli, who joins Courtois' two children from his previous marriage.
The family usually resides in Madrid, but this week, they arrived in Israel for a visit and for Gerzig's photoshoot with the sports brand Z-sport. We caught up with the model on set, and as you can see, it didn't take her long to return to her pre-pregnancy look. For those wondering, baby Eli stayed back at the hotel with her dad, Thibaut.
How was the birth?
"Wow, I have no words. I think my Spanish is decent enough to handle a delivery room in Spain, and I had a really great experience. I had an amazing and supportive team, and we communicated in both Spanish and English, with Thibaut there to translate when needed."
How is he as a father to a newborn? It's been a few years since he last did this.
"He's an amazing dad, so sweet and loving with her. It melts my heart. True, it's been a while, but he remembers so much, which really helps me because I can get a bit anxious, and he calms me down."
Most women seeing you will ask, "How does she look like this after just three months?"
"I know my body, and I know I'm not completely back to where I was. I have stretch marks, cellulite, and little things I notice. Of course, I'm very grateful for my body and proud of what it’s been through, so I don't focus too much on that. Thank God, I'm happy with what I have."
Was it important for you to get back in shape after the pregnancy?
"I did think about it, but it didn't occupy my mind too much. Naturally, I was concerned to some extent. I think I was more worried about stretch marks and did put in effort, using oils and creams every day. It's normal, it's natural, it's part of the process, and I'm so proud of what my body did, of this miracle. I'm in love with my daughter, and that's what matters most. Everything else, whether I have more stretch marks or weigh a bit more, isn't that critical to me."
Despite being a popular soccer player, Courtois has faced significant criticism for his support of Israel, especially since the beginning of the war.
It seems like we're not very popular in Spain right now.
"It does feel like we're not very liked, but on the other hand, I also receive a lot of support from very influential people in Madrid. There's a lot of understanding, empathy, and kind words. Thibaut talks to his team and the players about it, and I think within our circle, there’s a lot of support."
How much do you and Thibaut deal with this situation?
"A lot, really. We've received some horrific messages. And Thibaut, who truly doesn't deserve it, has also gotten some harsh words. It was sad to see, but he's proud of his stance. People can be ignorant and blind, what can you do?"
Is this threatening his career in any way or could it harm him?
"I'd like to believe it won't harm his career. If it does, that would be truly awful. I want to believe that people are smart enough and appreciate him as a person, so it won't affect him, even if their views differ."
Is this something he considers?
"I can tell you for sure that many fans who used to support him no longer do. Some have unfollowed him on Instagram or said they don't like him anymore. I don't understand why—because his views are different? Because he supports his wife's family and friends? They are part of his family now. He loves Israel, loves being here, and it's really sad that people are writing him off based on differing opinions, forgetting who he is and what he does for the team. I hope this changes over time."
What about your career abroad?
"I can tell you that I lost two major photoshoots and a cover for a big magazine because they said, 'Now is not the time to feature an Israeli.' It's hurtful and painful, but I know what's mine is mine. If they don't want to feature me because I'm Israeli, so be it. I'll continue to be proud of it and never hide or deny it."