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)
prideGReeeeN
The vocal group GReeeeN wrote “pride” as a specially commissioned support song for the Summer High School Baseball Tournament.
The lyrics carry a message that single-minded effort leads to success and victory.
During practice, there may be times when you feel like your spirit is about to break, but when that happens, listen to this song to boost your motivation.
Combined with the powerful vocals, it’s sure to give you a push.
Also, don’t miss the music video featuring Hayato Sakamoto’s passionate comments.
Touchin On My3OH!3
Takeru, the fighter who enjoys overwhelming popularity as the face of the new K-1.
His bout against Tenshin Nasukawa at THE MATCH in 2022 gave us incredible emotion, didn’t it? “Touchin On My” is the song he uses for his walkout.
Compared to other K-1 fighters, his entrance has a strikingly dazzling presence.
I think that aura comes largely from his expressions and posture, but the musical production plays a big role too, don’t you think? Make sure to check out this gem of a track—catchy yet fully immersing you in a serious mood!
Rhyme Wave Phrase DisciplesCHEHON
A cornerstone of Japanese reggae, “Inna Kuto.” It’s the famous masterpiece by CHEHON, as everyone knows.
Although it was released in 2009, it remains popular today, and its 2022 performance on THE FIRST TAKE racked up an astounding number of views.
The song is also used as the entrance theme by Ren Hiramoto, a mixed martial artist known for his provocative performances.
If you want to boost your motivation with some fiery vibes, this is a must-check track!
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Beloved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tracks (151–160)
Crazy about youEXILE
This is a song by the popular dance-vocal group EXILE.
It was released in 2015 as their 47th single.
Chosen as the theme song for Suntory Beer’s “The Malts” commercial, it became a hot topic.
It’s an upbeat, groovy, funky dance number you can really move to.
According to women’s rugby football player Ano Kuwai, the whole team used to hum it together.
Give it some guts!!Urufuruzu
“Guts da ze!!,” one of Ulfuls’ signature songs, has been adopted by many pro athletes as their walk-up or rally song.
Just listening to it gets you pumped up.
It’s arguably the perfect track for boosting your motivation before a game.
Plus, having it in your ears beforehand helps you dig deep when things get tough or you’re on the brink of losing.
It’s truly a song for athletes who give it their all.
Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)
This is the song that women’s rugby player Chisato Yokoo listens to before matches: “Umi no Koe” (Voice of the Sea), sung by actor Kenta Kiritani, also known as Urashima Taro.
It was released as a digital single in 2015.
Yokoo says she likes the earnest, striving quality in his voice.
Many people can probably relate to that feeling.
I’m The ChampionAI
This cheer song was used as the official theme for the Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis held in 2016.
The vocalist is AI, a beloved national singer known for her soulful voice.
The piece conveys a powerful determination, as if boldly declaring, “I am the champion.” AI’s mighty vocals ignite listeners’ inner fighting spirit and deliver an energetic track that seems to lead them to victory.
It was also chosen as the theme song for WOWOW’s women’s golf tour, giving courage to many.
You can hear it on the album Wa to Yo.
It’s perfect for getting pumped up before a match.
Be sure to check it out!