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] Beloved by athletes too!? Power-packed fight songs and anthems (121–130)
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.
Wind ~re-fly ver.~Wada Kōji
This is the song that Yuzuru Hanyu, the men’s figure skater, listens to.
It’s sung by Koji Wada, an anisong singer from Kyoto Prefecture.
It was used as an insert song in the anime Digimon Tamers.
Hanyu is said to be a big fan of Digimon.
The lyrics are straightforward and inspiring, making it a positive song that gives you courage.
It really does feel like a push on the back.
Fight MusicSEKAI NO OWARI
This is the song that men’s badminton player Kenichi Hayakawa says energizes him before a match.
It’s a track by the four-member band SEKAI NO OWARI, included on their major-label debut album “ENTERTAINMENT,” released in 2012.
The song has an energetic, pop vibe.
If you want to get pumped up before a match, give it a try.
BeautifulSuperfly
This song is the theme for the drama “Mother Game” and is included on the fifth album, “WHITE.” The way it gradually rises from the strings intro is striking, and Ochi Shiho’s powerful, soaring vocals are truly uplifting.
In 2018, Chunichi Dragons player Shuhei Takahashi used it as his walk-up theme when coming to bat.
It’s a celebrated fan favorite that conveys a strong sense of self-affirmation and motivation.
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Loved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Winning Tracks (131–140)
Roar!Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto
Momoiro Clover Z has released many songs that lift your spirits and make you feel positive.
“Hoero” is one of them.
The lyrics and music were written by Funky Kato of FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S.
No wonder it turned out to be such a bright and uplifting track.
The song is also tied to Masahiro Tanaka of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles, who has used it as his entrance music when taking the mound since 2018.
It’s a work packed with energy.
ALWAYSMitsunaga Ryota
This was Ryota Mitsunaga’s debut single, released in 2003.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Itsumo Futari de,” starring Takako Matsu.
The gentle message in the lyrics about dreams and wishes is moving enough to bring you to tears.
It’s a must-listen before a match.
cherry blossomKobukuro
For many people, this is the quintessential spring song.
It’s one of the signature tracks by the musical duo Kobukuro, released as their 12th single in 2005.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Ns’ Aoi” and became a major hit.
The moving lyrics can really bring you to tears.
It’s said that women’s track cyclist Sakura Tsukagoshi listens to it before her races.