Founded on 1 May 1893, it last played in the Division of Honour in the Coimbra Football Association, holding home games at the Estádio Municipal José Bento Pessoa, with a capacity of 12,630 spectators.

After several years in the second division, Naval first promoted to the first level in 2005, after finishing in second position behind Paços de Ferreira.

In its first season in the top flight, the club finished in 13th position, finally moving up to 12th after the resolutions on the "Mateus Affair", which involved Gil Vicente and Belenenses.

[2] In April 2013, the club were deducted 12 points by order of world football governing body FIFA, due to outstanding debts to two teams in Brazil; another relegation followed.

[4] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.