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 Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved!? Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tracks (111–120)
Can DoGRANRODEO
GRANRODEO is a musical duo that captivates fans with their powerful vocals and musicianship.
Their 16th single “Can Do,” used as the opening theme for the TV anime Kuroko’s Basketball, sets hearts ablaze with its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and lyrics that portray a firm resolve to win.
The message of casting off negativity and moving forward radiates a strength that can blow away your doubts.
It’s a rock tune with an invigorating sense of speed, whose edgy guitar ensemble will lift your spirits.
JUMPIkuta Rira
Lila Ikuta, also known as the vocalist of YOASOBI, created a fast-paced track titled “JUMP.” It served as a support song for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The song carefully portrays the anxiety and impatience felt during a match, as well as the thirst for victory—feelings that athletes will surely relate to.
Another appeal is the powerful atmosphere achieved by incorporating elements of soccer supporter chants into the chorus.
Starting Line ~ A New BreezeBaba Toshihide
This is the song that resonated deeply with Mio Yamanaka, a women’s rugby football player, when she was injured and listened to it at a friend’s recommendation.
It’s a track by Toshihide Baba, a singer-songwriter from Saitama Prefecture, released in 2007 as his 13th single.
His warm, heartfelt vocals are deeply moving.
The lyrics carry a message: even if you fail, keep trying again and again!
every little thing every precious thingLINDBERG
A four-member rock band that enjoyed enormous popularity in the 1990s J-pop scene and drew attention with their 2014 reunion, LINDBERG released this as their 25th single.
In addition to being used as a TV show theme and in commercials, it’s also known for being the entrance song of former Hanshin Tigers pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa during his playing days.
The string-featured arrangement and the piercingly straightforward vocals have a calming effect on athletes—such as swimmer Kosuke Hagino—while igniting their fighting spirit, which makes perfect sense.
With its catchy melody and sweeping grandeur that truly resonate, it’s a track you’ll want to play when you need to relax.
Golden SoulShonan no Kaze
‘Golden Soul’ sung by Shonan no Kaze is their seventh single, released in 2008.
It was used as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama ‘The Negotiator’ and as an insert song for the Kadokawa film ‘Drop,’ and it reached No.
6 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The music video features many wrestlers from Big Japan Pro Wrestling, and the track has also been used as a common theme song for New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
In addition, it has often been used as walk-up music by professional baseball players; during the 2008 season, it was popular enough that six players, including Kazuhiro Hatakeyama—who, as of 2021, is a coach for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows—used it as their entrance song.
Feeling great!!mihimaru GT
“Kibun Jōjō ↑↑,” by mihimaru GT—a music unit that blends pop and hip-hop—is their ninth single, released in 2006.
It was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s variety show “Sukibara” and peaked at No.
7 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
As the title suggests, it’s an up-tempo, high-energy track that’s guaranteed to get you pumped before a game.
The song was also used as a player theme for the Orix Buffaloes in 2012!
Bedroom WarfareONE OK ROCK
A track included on the album “Ambitions,” which also had an overseas release.
It’s sung almost entirely in English, and is recommended for those who want to boost their mood with a vibe closer to Western music than Japanese.
While the theme centers on a man–woman relationship, the song’s message of facing things aggressively makes it perfect for when you’re ready to take on a challenge!
