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: Athletes Love Them Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Game-Day Tracks (141–150)
HappinessAI
A singer-songwriter who captivates fans with a remarkably powerful voice and a cute persona—AI—delivers her 24th single.
Many people likely know this song, as it was chosen as the theme for Coca-Cola’s “Christmas Campaign” commercials for five consecutive years.
Its positive lyrics, which feel like a wholehearted affirmation of oneself, are sure to boost the mindset of athletes about to compete.
With an uplifting pop melody carried by her emotional vocals, it’s a track you’ll want to hear before starting something new.
Can’t Be TouchedRoy Jones Jr
If you want to boost your motivation, I recommend ‘Can’t Be Touched’! Actually, this song is performed by Roy Jones Jr., the legendary boxer who held the pound-for-pound No.
1 title for many years.
Since it’s a track by an athlete, it packs a real punch! It’s a hip-hop song, but the rap is quite melodic, so I think it’s approachable even for people who don’t usually listen to hip-hop.
AnythingAmuro Namie
Here’s the song that women’s rugby football player Ayaka Suzuki listens to before matches.
It’s a track by Namie Amuro, the singer who retired from show business in 2018 to much regret.
It’s included on her 2015 album “_genic.” The lyrics carry a powerful message: believe in your own potential! It certainly sounds like a great track to get pumped up before a game.
companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi
Ketsumeishi’s “Nakama” is their 18th single, released in 2010, a mid-tempo track that sings about human connections.
Rather than pumping you up right before a big moment, it’s a song that stays by your side throughout the journey.
The guitar in the interlude and the heartfelt lyrics deliver that signature Ketsumeishi tear-jerker vibe.
It’s a song about bonds that makes you think of the friends you’ve practiced with and the staff team working hard in support—it becomes a pillar of strength.
When you don’t want to give up, trust in “Nakama” and keep moving forward!
HalationHata Motohiro
Written as the theme song for high school baseball in 2009, “Halation” is Motohiro Hata’s eighth single.
It was used for Asahi Broadcasting/TV Asahi’s National High School Baseball Championship broadcasts, “Nettou Koshien,” and “Sokuhou! Koshien e no Michi,” and it reached No.
10 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Its driving rhythm and poignant sound make it a perfect fit for high school ballplayers chasing their youth.
The intro alone stirs up a fighting spirit that makes you want to give it your all—highly recommended!
GONGSixTONES
This is a high-energy anthem that charges toward victory, fusing powerful sound with fiery vocals.
Its positive message—“I don’t want to lose, I won’t give up”—carries a compelling force that only the six members of SixTONES can deliver.
Released in July 2024 and featured as an insert song for the Nippon TV drama ACMA:GAME, the track is marked by siren-like guitar riffs and a heavy beat.
Before an important match or decisive moment, and when gearing up to fight alongside your teammates, this song is sure to ignite anyone’s fighting spirit.
AshesSuperfly
This song by Superfly, which drew attention as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “Gekokujō Kyūji,” was released in November 2023.
It resonates with the protagonists’ emotions as they waver between their passion for baseball and the dilemmas they face, vividly depicting the complex feelings everyone carries deep inside.
Released alongside the album “Heat Wave,” it has also been performed on a nationwide arena tour, continuing to captivate in live performances.
It’s an empowering anthem that supports not only athletes, but all those striving toward their dreams and goals.