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)
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.
Make dreams your allyayaka
What a wonderful, free-flowing singing voice.
This is a song by Ayaka, a singer-songwriter from Moriguchi City in Osaka Prefecture.
It was released in 2009 as her ninth single and was used in a commercial for Shinken Zemi’s High School Course.
It’s an uplifting song with a message asking you to believe in yourself.
Rugby player Yume Ōkuroda listened to it before matches.
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Athlete Favorites?! Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tracks (101–110)
rainbowyuzu
Released in 2009, this smash-hit single by Yuzu stayed on the Oricon charts for 33 weeks.
The repeated chorus lyrics conjure up a grand scene, as if multiple large rainbows were arching across the sky.
Driven by its majestic, powerful melody, it’s a song that can give you the courage to overcome pre-game nerves and bitter memories from the past.
SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Asian Kung-Fu Generation’s classic “Soranin,” which also served as the theme song for the film of the same name.
It’s beloved as a song that portrays youth and dreams, but in fact, it’s also a track tennis player Kei Nishikori used to listen to before matches! He reportedly listened to it before the historic showdown at the Barcelona Open, where he became the first Asian champion, which makes the song feel all the more powerful.
Despite its languid vocal delivery and fragile guitar riff, the chorus has a strong, emotionally charged presence.
Perhaps in those moments when there’s no turning back, it’s the kind of song that gives you an invisible strength.
Dream FighterPerfume
When you feel anxious before a match, why not listen to Perfume’s motivational song “Dream Fighter”? Its lyrics feel like they’re telling you, “This is just a checkpoint—the goal is still ahead,” and the exhilarating sound will help shift your mindset in a positive direction.
To make your big dream come true, let’s first give your best in the match right in front of you!
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.
Summer MadnessSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
“Summer Madness” is the 18th single by Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE, released in 2015.
It reached No.
6 on the Billboard Japan Twitter chart and No.
1 on the YouTube chart.
In 2016 and 2017, it was also used as the walk-up song for Chiba Lotte Marines professional baseball player Taiga Hirasawa.
Incorporating EDM techniques, the track’s driving beat lifts your spirits—perfect for igniting competitive fire before a game!
