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)
I’m a BelieverSPYAIR
SPYAIR is a four-piece rock band that launched activities under a new lineup in 2023 and is poised for even greater leaps ahead.
Their 17th single, “I’m a Believer,” used as the opening theme for the TV anime Haikyu!! Second Season, kicks off with a exhilarating guitar riff that instantly pumps you up.
Its message—keep moving forward no matter what others say or how rough things get—gives you the courage to believe in your own dreams.
The driving rock ensemble is irresistibly uplifting, making this a perfect track to hear before a big moment.
GO☆FIGHT☆WINB’z
A title that makes you feel truly empowered is sure to boost your motivation even before you listen! With B’z’s signature hard rock sound and Inaba’s piercing high notes, this powerful track is guaranteed to give you strength.
Plus, I want you to pay attention not only to the musical style but also to the lyrics.
The words, which sing about continuing to fight no matter how tough the situation, will surely give you courage as you head into your match.
Watch Mebanvox
Many of you have probably heard this melody before.
It was featured in a Google Android commercial.
It’s a 2015 track by banvox, a Japanese track maker supported by DJs like David Guetta and Avicii.
The addictive melody is catchy and familiar, and it’ll get you so hyped you’ll want to start bouncing.
The moment it drops is incredible, too.
Put it on as background music or keep listening before a game, and it’ll help you perform at your best in a nicely relaxed yet adrenaline-charged state!
LOVE 2000hitomi
An up-tempo tune by hitomi with an irresistibly impactful chorus.
Just like the title says, it was released in 2000, and it’s also famous as a song that Naoko Takahashi loved listening to when she won the gold medal in the marathon at the Sydney Olympics! hitomi’s clear, expansive vocals feel so good and really lift your spirits.
It always brings back a fresh, invigorating feeling, so I find myself wanting to listen when I don’t want to forget my original mindset.
After 20 years, it was self-remade as “LOVE 2020,” so it’s fun to compare the two—feel your own growth and get pumped up before a big moment!
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Loved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Winning Tracks (131–140)
MiracleGReeeeN
Greeeen’s “Kiseki,” released in 2008, is a classic that has continued to give energy and courage to people across Japan.
I think many would say their source of strength comes from having friends and close companions by their side.
Spending time with friends lets you talk through hardships, share the pain, and feel refreshed.
“Kiseki” is a song that reminds us once again of the importance of staying close to loved ones and friends with whom we can share our pain.
When you’re struggling, sharing with friends rather than trying to solve everything on your own will likely help you bounce back more quickly.
Go my waySandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Ayaka Takahashi won Japan’s first-ever Olympic gold medal in badminton.
Before matches, she often listened to “Go my way” by Sandaime J Soul Brothers.
No matter how tough things get, if you believe in yourself, don’t give up, and take that first step, the world—and you yourself—will change! That kind of powerful, encouraging message is woven into the lyrics.
Takahashi says she drew strength from this song whenever she felt down.
Why not give it a listen yourself when you’re on the verge of losing heart before an important match or during practice?
Unstoppable Ha~HaYazawa Eikichi
Eikichi Yazawa’s signature classic “Tomaranai Ha~Ha” is a song every Japanese person has probably heard at least once.
It was used as the entrance theme for kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa when he was with RISE.
The intro guitar, the surge of energy as it hits the riff, and Eikichi’s rock vocals—all of it adds up to a flawless rock sound.
It’s perfect as an entrance theme, of course, but also great for pumping yourself up before a match.
