Founded in 1932, Estrela da Amadora won a Portugal Cup in 1990 and one second division championship in 1992–93. In 16 seasons in top-flight football – eight consecutive – its best season was in 1997-1998, when the team finished in seventh position, under the guidance of Fernando Santos.

After winning the cup in 1990, Estrela reached the second round in the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup.