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)
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.
Anniversary!!E-girls
This is a song by the girls’ dance-vocal group E-girls.
It was released in 2015 as their 13th single.
It drew attention after being featured as the commercial song for “Samantha Vega meets E-girls – 365 Days, Every Day Is a Memorial Day,” among others.
It’s said that water polo player Seiya Adachi often listened to it before matches.
It’s a cute dance number.
READY STEADY GOL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
A thrilling rock number bursting with speed! In addition to being performed at numerous live shows and festivals, it was covered by the rock band FLOW and the popular American rock band Zebrahead, and also made headlines when bassist tetsuya and T.M.Revolution’s Takanori Nishikawa performed a special session at a rock festival.
With its powerful message—“Don’t hesitate; charge ahead in the direction you chose!”—it’s a high-energy track you’ll want to hear before a big moment.
Full driveKANA-BOON
This is their third single, released in 2014.
Its simple melody and playful, witty lyrics make a strong impression.
It especially hypes up during the chorus, so it’s become a staple at live shows.
It’s also perfect before a game.
Runnerbakufū suranpu
Debuting in 1984, this was Bakufu Slump’s twelfth single and their breakout hit, which made them synonymous with youth rock.
The song was originally written for a member who was leaving the band, carrying a message that even if they go down different paths, they’ll both keep running forward.
That resolve resonates with athletes who are always pushing beyond their limits.
With the chorus repeating in the latter half, it’s a signature Bakufu Slump track that makes you want to start running before you know it.
Naughty SunORANGE RANGE
Released in 2007 as the 17th single, it was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV drama “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e: Ikemen Paradise.” Although quite some time has passed since its release, it has long remained popular as a summer song.
It gives you a boost before a game.
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.