Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks That Overflow with Power
At those crucial moments—like during daily practice or right before an important match—music stays by our side and gives us tremendous strength.
Many of you probably listen to your favorite songs to boost your spirits as you head into those special moments.
In this article, we’ve picked out uplifting, heart-stirring anthems that raise your motivation.
From upbeat tracks that fire up your fighting spirit, to relaxing numbers that wrap you in a sense of calm, to athletes’ personal favorites—we’ve gathered a wide variety of songs.
We hope you’ll find them helpful.
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[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Beloved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Fight Anthems and Victory Tracks (61–70)
curtain callShimizu Shota
A soul-stirring, powerful cheer-up song! It’s a track from HOPE, delivered through a collaboration between Shota Shimizu and Taka.
Imbued with a strong message of “overcoming setbacks and looking forward,” it has gained popularity as a song that encourages those striving toward their dreams.
Released in July 2021, the piece also features a music video starring the two artists, allowing listeners to feel the song’s world more deeply.
It’s the perfect track for the moments when you want to keep moving forward without giving up, no matter what difficulties you face.
water lily blossomShonan no Kaze
If you want to get pumped up, “Suirenka” is also a great pick.
It’s a reggae song by Shonan no Kaze.
The lyrics depict a summer romance, but because they’re packed with positive phrases, it’s also loved as a fight song.
There are especially many of these lines in the latter half of the track, so listen closely there.
By the way, “Suirenka” is also known for being used as a walk-up song by many baseball players.
Why not give it a listen before something important?
AMBITIOUS JAPAN!TOKIO
Even among the many idol groups under Johnny & Associates, TOKIO has always stood out.
Their band style is popular, and they’ve released numerous classic songs.
This track is one that gives you courage, even among their catalog.
It’s great to listen to when you want to boost your motivation and remind yourself to believe in yourself.
It’s a song I want every athlete taking on a match with great ambition to hear.
All who fight are heroes!
R.Y.U.S.E.I.Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
This is the 13th single by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, a seven-member dance and vocal group known for their emotional harmonies and cool dance performances.
The track was used as the campaign song for Tokyo City Keiba, and many people may have tried copying the “Running Man” danced during the instrumental break.
With an ensemble that feels like it’s being drawn up into the sky—evoking the title—and a chorus brimming with exhilaration, the melody both calms athletes’ minds and fuels their fighting spirit.
It’s a dance tune with exceptional clarity that helps you center yourself before a big showdown.
A Cheer Song Dedicated to YouHIPPY
A blazing track with an exhilarating melody and lyrics that grab listeners’ hearts and won’t let go! Featured on the March 2017 album “HomeBase ~Arigato~,” it gained popularity as a walk-up song for professional baseball players.
By 2020, it had garnered so much attention that it ranked No.
1 for the year among entrance songs.
It’s a motivational anthem that powerfully pushes forward anyone chasing a dream or hitting a wall.
You can almost hear the cheer, “You can absolutely do it!”—and it fills you with courage.
Listen to it before an important game or challenge, and it’s sure to get you fired up.
Point to the distant skyGReeeeN
GReeeeN’s classic, “Tooku no Sora Yubisasunda.” GReeeeN has produced numerous hit songs.
If you were on a baseball team in your school days, you might have listened to GReeeeN’s “Kiseki” before games.
This track is also a perfect fit for baseball and is used as the walk-up song by the Yakult Swallows’ star player, Tetsuto Yamada.
He also appears in the music video, making it a must-listen for Yakult fans and fans of Tetsuto Yamada.
Be sure to check it out.
Delusion:AllONE OK ROCK
It’s a soul-stirring song by ONE OK ROCK.
With powerful melodies, it offers deep insights on themes of division in modern society and political turmoil.
Released in July 2024 as the official theme song for the film “KINGDOM IV: Return of the Great General,” it vividly showcases the band’s growth and influence.
While confronting social issues, the track also prompts reflection on freedom and sacrifice, fully demonstrating ONE OK ROCK’s expressive musical prowess.
It’s the perfect song when you want to boost your motivation or think deeply about society.
Open your heart and give it a listen.