Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli is the second son of Victoria’s Secret supermodel Candice Swanepoel and Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli, born on July 20, 2018. He has an older brother named Anacã and his parents split in 2018 after a 14-year relationship, with both now co-parenting their two sons.
When you think of celebrity children who capture public attention, Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli stands out as the son of one of the world’s most famous supermodels. Born to Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel and Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli, Ariel has been in the spotlight since birth. His unique family story, from his parents’ high-profile relationship to their eventual split, makes him a subject of ongoing public interest.
Understanding Ariel’s background helps fans connect with the human side of celebrity families and provides insight into how famous parents navigate co-parenting in the public eye.
Who is Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli?
Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli was born on July 20, 2018, making him approximately 6 years old as of 2025. As the second child of international supermodel Candice Swanepoel, Ariel entered a world of fashion, fame, and global recognition from day one.
Family Background and Heritage
Ariel comes from a multicultural background that reflects his parents’ diverse origins. His mother, Candice Swanepoel, is a South African model of Dutch and British ancestry, while his father, Hermann Nicoli, is a Brazilian model born on July 8, 1982.
The couple named their first son Anacã to pay homage to Nicoli’s Brazilian roots, as Anacã is reportedly Brazilian slang for the word “bird.” Ariel’s name, with biblical roots, is traditionally male in Hebrew but has become more gender-neutral internationally.
Birth and Early Life
Ariel was welcomed into the world in June 2018, with his birth announcement made by Candice Swanepoel through her Instagram Stories, featuring a close-up photo of the newborn’s hand wrapped around his parent’s finger with the word “blessed” typed across the picture.
According to People magazine, Swanepoel described Ariel as “much easier to manage” compared to his older brother and called him an “angel” during interviews about parenting two children under two years old.
Ariel’s Parents: Candice Swanepoel and Hermann Nicoli
Candice Swanepoel’s Career
Candice Susan Swanepoel is a South African model who became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2010. In 2016, she was listed 8th on the Forbes top-earning models list, establishing her as one of the industry’s most successful figures.
Beyond modeling, Swanepoel launched her own swimwear collection, Tropic of C, in 2018. Her business ventures and modeling career continue to thrive, providing financial stability for her family.
Hermann Nicoli’s Background
Hermann Nicoli is a professional model represented by Next Model Management, primarily working in Brazil with major fashion agencies and brands. He met Candice when she was 17 years old during a trip to Paris, and he was 23 at the time.
Their Relationship Timeline
The couple’s relationship spanned over a decade:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2005-2006 | Met in Paris and began dating |
| 2015 | Announced engagement in August |
| October 2016 | Welcomed first son, Anacã |
| July 2018 | Welcomed second son, Ariel |
| 2018 | Split after 14 years together |
Ariel’s Brother: Anacã Nicoli
Ariel has an older brother named Anacã, who was born in October 2016. Despite the challenges of having two children under two years old, Candice Swanepoel has mentioned that the brothers have “a fantastic relationship” and that “to see the love between them is amazing”.
Sibling Bond
The brothers frequently appear together in their mother’s social media posts, showing their close relationship despite their young ages. In 2022, Candice shared sweet clips of herself playing in the pool with both children, showing tender moments with her “rarely seen four-year-old daughter Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli and six-year-old son Anaca Nicoli” (Note: This appears to be an error in the source – Ariel is male).
Current Living Situation and Co-Parenting
Where Does Ariel Live?
Currently, Candice is co-parenting her sons with her ex-fiancé Hermann Nicoli, and she reportedly splits her time between Brazil and New York City. This arrangement allows both children to maintain connections to both parents’ cultures and backgrounds.
Co-Parenting Approach
Both parents maintain an active presence in their children’s lives, with Candice regularly sharing pictures of her kids and providing insights into their life together through Instagram. The family appears to prioritize the children’s wellbeing despite the parents’ separation.
Privacy and Public Attention
Protecting Their Children
While both Candice and Hermann are public figures, they’ve taken steps to protect their children’s privacy. The children are described as “rarely seen” in media coverage, indicating that their parents are selective about when and how they share family moments publicly.
Social Media Presence
Ariel even has his own Instagram account (@ariel.nicoli) managed by his parents, with 59 followers as of recent reports. The account description confirms his basic details and family relationships.
Future Prospects and Family Dynamics
Educational Considerations
As Ariel grows older, his multicultural background positions him well for global opportunities. His mother is fluent in Afrikaans, English, and Portuguese, suggesting the children will likely be raised with multiple language skills.
Career Influences
While still very young, Ariel is surrounded by the fashion and modeling industries through both parents. Whether he’ll follow in their footsteps remains to be seen, but he’ll certainly have exposure to creative industries from an early age.
Recent Developments and 2025 Updates
Current Age and Milestones
As of 2025, Ariel is approximately 6-7 years old and likely starting formal education. His development continues to be documented selectively by his parents, balancing public interest with family privacy.
Family Evolution
Since the split from Hermann, Candice has been linked to other relationships, including rumors about dating Elite actor Andres Velencoso in 2022, showing how the family continues to evolve while maintaining focus on the children’s stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli?
Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli was born on July 20, 2018, making him approximately 6 years old as of 2025.
Who are Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli’s parents?
His parents are supermodel Candice Swanepoel and Brazilian model Hermann Nicoli, who were engaged but never married before splitting in 2018.
Does Ariel have any siblings?
Yes, he has an older brother named Anacã, who was born in 2016.
Where does Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli live?
He splits time between Brazil and New York City with his mother, as part of a co-parenting arrangement with his father.
Ariel Swanepoel Nicoli represents the next generation of celebrity families navigating fame, privacy, and multicultural heritage. As the son of two successful models, he’s growing up with unique opportunities while his parents work to provide him with a balanced childhood despite public attention.
Discover more inspiring stories of celebrity families and their journeys at EarlyMagazine.
