Clube Desportivo Nacional, commonly known as "Nacional", was founded on December 8, 1910, and is a professional football club based in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal.
From its inception, the club engaged in competitions in the Madeira regional league while actively participating in the Portuguese Cup, gradually refining its squad and accumulating match experience in the early tournaments. A decade later, the team advanced to the top tier of Portuguese football and subsequently achieved a record of competing in the Primeira Liga for 15 consecutive seasons.
However, in the 2016-17 season, the team's performance began to decline, finishing 18th in the Primeira Liga and getting relegated, ending a long journey in the top league. However, just one season later, with adjustments in the coaching staff, the club began to fight back, returning to the Primeira Liga as champions of the LigaPro in the 2017-18 season. Unfortunately, in the 2018-19 season, the team failed to establish itself, finishing 17th in the Primeira Liga and getting relegated again, caught in a cycle between the Primeira Liga and LigaPro. During this period, several coaches, including Costinha and Manuel Machado, took turns managing the team, which repeatedly explored tactical adjustments and squad integration.
In 2020, Nacional da Madeira seized the opportunity again, returning to the Primeira Liga after a year by finishing at the top of the LigaPro standings, continuing the team's revival journey. After returning to the top league, the team not only gradually adapted to the competitive rhythm but also made breakthroughs in cup competitions. In the 2022-23 season, as a LigaPro team, they fought their way to the semifinals of the Taça de Portugal, becoming the 10th LigaPro team in history to reach the semifinals of this competition. As of the 2024-25 season, Nacional da Madeira is ranked 14th in the Primeira Liga.