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 Anthems and Victory Tracks (101–110)
Joyfulikimonogakari
A two-piece band whose straightforward vocals and subtly nostalgic vibe have won them popularity, Ikimonogakari’s 15th single.
Used as the song for Ezaki Glico’s Pocky commercial, it features a strikingly pop arrangement that contrasts with its double A-side, “YELL.” While the lyrics include many meaning-free phrases that spotlight sonic playfulness, it’s a track you can enjoy without pondering the words—simply lifting your spirits.
It’s an upbeat tune that we’d love athletes to listen to before a game, when they tend to overthink—one that fosters a positive mindset.
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
This is UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s 10th single, released in May 2015.
It was written as the ending theme for the anime Blood Blockade Battlefront.
It’s a very bright, mood-lifting song—great for boosting motivation—but just listening to vocalist Kosuke Saito’s slightly goofy, high-pitched voice and cheerful singing puts you in a really happy mood, so it might also be good to listen to before a match to help you relax!
Here we go! Phantom Thief GirlMomoiro Kurōbā Zetto
A four-member girls group that quickly adopted a unique style and became one of a kind in the modern J-POP scene—often called the “Idol Warring States Period”—Momoiro Clover Z’s song.
Originally the major-label debut track from their six-member era as Momoiro Clover, it’s now a live staple in a four-member “ZZ ver.” The relentlessly shifting key changes and high-energy arrangement, right down to the instrumental break, are sure to give a powerful push to athletes heading into battle.
Its irresistibly catchy melody will lift your spirits and have you humming along before you know it—a pop tune that brings a smile to your face just by listening.
RED GAMEacane
“RED GAME” by acane, a singer from Fukuoka who’s gained popularity through street performances and social media.
This song is the theme for Borg Bullet Kitakyushu, a futsal team based in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Packed with words cheering on the players, it rides on acane’s powerful vocals.
As it’s for a futsal team, it also features plenty of sport-specific terms—another highlight.
It’s a track that ignites fierce fighting spirit in athletes of all kinds who are about to step into competition!
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.
Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved!? Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tracks (111–120)
treasurewacci
This is a song from wacci’s second album, “Kanjō Hyakkei,” released in 2017, a band that is close to everyday life.
It sings about getting through each day by helping one another with friends and loved ones.
The gentle melody, so characteristic of wacci, is soothing as well.
If you head into the game thinking of someone important to you, it might even draw out a hidden strength.
tailwindSHE’S
Written as the theme song for a drama starring Tatsuya Fujiwara, this piece marks a milestone commemorating SHE’S 10th anniversary.
Its structure—where a sense of loneliness-tinged electronic sound unfolds in a dazzling way—feels like a distillation of the band’s journey.
The lyrics, which sing about the importance of moving forward after overcoming failure, resonate beautifully with the drama’s theme.
Released in February 2021, the song is sure to strike a chord with listeners as an anthem that gives you the courage to take a new step.
Why not listen to it to lift your spirits before an important match or a turning point in your life?