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.
- [Hype Songs] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! A curated selection of tracks that boost motivation
- [Fuel Your Fighting Spirit] An Adrenaline-Pumping Fight Song
- Entrance Songs for Athletes | A Comprehensive Introduction to Athletes’ Game-Day Anthems!
- Before a match or when you feel like giving up! Cheer songs to keep you going in club activities
- [2026] Motivation Boost! A Collection of Classic Western Songs to Listen to Before a Match
- [Exams, Club Activities, Dreams] Encouragement songs recommended for teens: Tracks to listen to when you want to do your best
- Entrance music for sports. Classic and popular athlete anthems.
- [Basketball Cheer Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing anthems!
- Song of Victory: Iconic Tracks Smiled Upon by the Goddess & Uplifting Cheer Anthems
- Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you to do your best on entrance exams and club activities when you listen to them.
- Ranking of popular sports songs
- Koshien Songs & Theme Songs: Iconic Tracks and Fight Songs That Support High School Baseball Players
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Loved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks (81–90)
Run, Future!GLAY
GLAY’s “Hashirare! Mirai” (“Run, Future!”) is a song that makes you feel, “I’m going to achieve the dreams and goals I’ve set for myself no matter what!” Released in 2014 as a double A-side single together with “Hyakka Ryoran,” it was used as the opening theme for the anime Ace of Diamond.
Its melody conjures up a vivid image of a lush blue sky, as if painting a bright future, and it fills you with a very positive feeling.
No matter what people say, no matter how high the wall, I’ll definitely see it through! It’s a track that radiates that kind of strong resolve.
When you feel like you might lose heart, or in a crucial moment, give it a listen to lift your spirits.
See you, hero.Kawasaki Takaya
Takaya Kawasaki, whose captivating voice grabs your ears at first listen and has won fans of all genders—propelling him to sudden fame on social media.
His song “See You, Hero” is a gentle, warm cheer-up anthem that stays close to hearts that feel like they might break and to feelings weighed down by anxiety.
We often feel uneasy about casually tossed-out words like “Do your best,” but the “Do your best” that comes through in this song feels like it’s coming from the very bottom of the heart.
Its encouraging lyrics stir you to think, “All right, let’s give it a try!” and they also inspire you to treat others with kindness and strength.
laser beamPerfume
Laser Beam, sung by the technopop unit Perfume, is their 13th single, released in 2011.
It was used in commercials for Kirin Chu-Hi Hyoketsu and reached No.
2 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The title “Laser Beam” may evoke Ichiro, the former professional baseball player who played in the Major Leagues, and the lyrics even include words like “ground,” which call baseball to mind.
So if you play baseball, try listening to it before a game!
Heart Throbsnobobyknows̟+
Kokoro Odoru has also been making waves with performances on music shows and THE FIRST TAKE.
It’s a hip-hop song by nobodyknows+.
The buoyant beat and lyrics that capture a feeling of excitement have earned it wide support.
Try listening to it when you’re looking forward to something to lift your mood.
Also, this song is perfect for blowing off steam.
Sing it with your friends and let loose.
Cry BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism is often associated with a gentle, refreshing image, but songs with a more masculine rock flavor like “Cry Baby” are part of their appeal, too.
When you know you’re going to lose or face a bad ending, everyone feels like giving up.
But this song sings about strength—the indomitable spirit to resist and rise again and again, even in those situations.
Let’s learn from this track an ultra-positive mindset that enjoys the pain so much that it almost feels pleasant!
PROGRESSSuga Shikao
Released under the name kokua, this song became famous as the theme for the documentary program “Professional: Shigoto no Ryuugi.” It voices the frustration of how, even though everyone starts from the same place, differences grow due to environment and experience, and the anxiety of not becoming your ideal self.
It gently affirms those feelings while singing about the importance of continuing to strive as your true, unadorned self.
Wrapped in one of Suga Shikao’s softer atmospheres yet carrying his signature funky strength, it’s a track that makes you want to take that first step forward.
It’s also highly recommended to listen to right before a big moment!
Songs to Listen to Before a Match: Athlete Favorites!? Power-Packed Fight Anthems and Victory Tracks (91–100)
GUTSarashi
Here is Arashi’s 43rd single, released in 2014.
Many of you may remember it, as it was also performed as the White Team’s finale at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Even If You’re Weak You Can Win: Aoshi-sensei and the Clumsy High School Baseball Players’ Ambitions,” starring group member Kazunari Ninomiya.
Both the lyrics and the melody spark courage and motivation, making it feel like just listening to it will help you head into a match with a positive mindset.
