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 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.
REVIVERMY FIRST STORY
A powerful rock number packed with messages of rebirth and self-affirmation! Included on MY FIRST STORY’s album “ALL LEAD TRACKS,” released in July 2017, it was chosen as the theme song for Part 3 of the smartphone RPG “Hortensia Saga: Aoi no Kishidan.” With its driving melodies and grand sound, it expresses the courage to face adversity and the resolve to rise again.
Even if you’re reborn, your convictions remain unchanged—this song embodies the determination to live true to yourself.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you hit a wall, when you feel like you’re losing yourself, or when you need to rally your spirit.
National tournamentSEX MACHINEGUNS
This is the closing track of their third album, Barbe-Q★Michael, released in 2001.
Unlike the other songs on the album, which were recorded in the usual way with each member tracking separately, this one was captured live in a so-called one-take session with the whole band playing together, and you can feel a driving momentum that makes your body naturally lean forward.
It’s guaranteed to make you feel like you could win a gold medal just by listening.
Rescue FireJAM Project
“Rescue Fire” is a song written as the theme for the 2009 tokusatsu TV drama “Tomica Hero: Rescue Fire.” It’s performed by JAM Project, an anime song vocal group formed by famous anisong singers such as Ichiro Mizuki, Hironobu Kageyama, and Rica Matsumoto.
It’s a fast-paced, intense rock tune whose powerful, exhilarating sound makes it perfect for sports.
Listen to it before a match and it’s guaranteed to get you pumped!
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.
Songs to Listen to Before a Match: Athlete Favorites?! Energizing Anthems and Victory Tracks (161–170)
Shineyuzu
“HIKARE” is Yuzu’s 41st single, released in 2014.
It was featured in a Nippon Life Insurance commercial and reached No.
8 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The lyrics, which sing about building up each day for a shining moment, resonate with sports training.
It’s also used as the entrance song for Hanshin Tigers pitcher Atsushi Mochizuki.
With its powerful acoustic sound, it’s a compelling track—give it a listen!