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: Athlete Favorites!? Power-Packed Fight Anthems and Victory Tracks (91–100)
Let the flowers in your heart bloom.ikimonogakari
Ikimonogakari, known for creating many heartwarming songs, produced “Let Your Heart Bloom” as a support song for the National High School Soccer Championship.
The lyrics convey that if you keep striving, your dreams will surely come true in the first half, and in the second half they express how sports can make life even more wonderful.
Although it’s a ballad, it gradually picks up tempo toward the end, making it a track that lifts your spirits.
It’s perfect both for relaxing and for boosting your mood.
Starting Now ~ To the New MeShimizu Miisa
Starting Now ~A New Me~, sung by Miisha Shimizu, was chosen as the Japanese theme song for the Disney Princess festival, the Ultimate Princess Celebration.
It also drew attention when golfer Mone Inami, who won a silver medal in the women’s event at the Tokyo Olympics, mentioned it as a song she often listens to before matches.
With its upbeat, forward-driving rhythm and lyrics that express the spirit of Disney Princesses—qualities that resonate with sportsmanship—Starting Now ~A New Me~ is a highly recommended track for athletes as well!
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Athlete Favorites?! Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tracks (101–110)
Get Myself BackAmuro Namie
Haruka Tachimoto, the women’s judo gold medalist, listens to Namie Amuro’s “Get Myself Back” right before her matches.
She started listening to it after a friend gave her the song before a bout.
The lyrics are gently encouraging and appealing, and Tachimoto says that when she listens to it, she can stay calm while igniting her fighting spirit.
Unstoppable ha~haYazawa Eikichi
Soccer player Sei Muroya, who loves fiery tracks, listens to this one before matches.
It’s a song by the eternal rock star Eikichi Yazawa.
It was included on his 14th album, Tokyo Night, released in 1986.
Many athletes use it as their walkout or entrance music, and it’s a very popular track.
His vocals are manly and super cool!
lilacMrs. GREEN APPLE
A work that delicately portrays the radiance and bitterness of youth, as well as the conflicts that come with growing up, was released by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE in April 2024.
Gently wrapping bittersweet memories and the dawn of new love, the song has been selected as the opening theme for the TV Tokyo anime “Oblivion Battery,” winning the hearts of listeners across generations.
It strikes a superb balance between a powerful melody riding on a brisk rhythm and lyrics that finely depict the inner heart.
Within Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s characteristically bright, pop sound, the anxieties and hopes unique to youth—and the way we face ourselves—are skillfully interwoven, making it a motivating anthem for practice ahead of school sports days and athletic festivals.
At the 66th Japan Record Awards, it won the Grand Prize, marking the first-ever back-to-back victory by a band.
Go GoBTS
Here’s what tennis player Naomi Osaka, who has achieved a world No.
1 ranking, was reportedly listening to: a song by the Korean hip-hop group BTS.
It’s included on their 2018 album ‘FACE YOURSELF.’ The lyrics say, “Let’s work hard and make money every day!” Money is important, isn’t it…? No, it’s really a positive message.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is a song that cyclist Yuta Wakimoto says he has loved since high school.
It’s a signature track by BUMP OF CHICKEN, a four-member rock band from Chiba Prefecture.
It was released in 2001 as their second major-label single.
Featured as an insert song in the drama “Tentai Kansoku” (Stargazing), it became a big hit.
The fast-paced guitar sound feels great to listen to.