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)
If I do itKotobukikun
This is a song by Toshikuni, a reggae musician active mainly in the Kansai region.
It’s included on his 2014 album “Ore no Kyukyoku.” It’s a powerful encouragement anthem that urges you to believe in yourself and take a new step forward.
Women’s fencing athlete Chika Aoki has publicly said she likes the song.
She says she got hooked on it after a friend recommended it.
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!
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!
BelieverImagine Dragons
When you want to bring out the fighting spirit that lies dormant within you, music can play a big role.
Especially for those who practice combat sports, using music to trigger an adrenaline rush is an important routine.
Believer is a perfect pick for anyone who wants to flood themselves with that adrenaline.
It’s performed by Imagine Dragons, an alternative rock band, and the track was created with athletes in mind.
As a result, it’s structured to be ideal for ramping up your voltage before a match, carrying an energetic and serious mood throughout.
Empire feat. Novel CoreNovelbright
A high-octane, powerful rock track brimming with speed and energy! This ambitious piece marks the first time Novelbright has featured a guest artist, with the genre-defying TeddyLoid joining as the arranger.
Vocalist Yudai Takenaka takes on rap for the first time, and the sharp bars from Novel Core add an aggressive, forceful edge to the song.
Don’t miss the music video’s dark atmosphere and intense performance, either! Powerfully voicing the importance of recognizing your own worth and staying unfazed by criticism, this track is guaranteed to boost your motivation before a crucial match or any high-stakes moment.
PLAY THE GAMEroodo obu mejyaa
Released in 2007, this is Road of Major’s 10th single.
After releasing this song, Road of Major disbanded, making it their final track.
It was also the opening theme for season 3 of the popular anime Major.
Although Major is a baseball anime, this song seems to capture the entire world of the series.
It’ll pump you up before any match, not just in baseball but in any sport.
Songs to Listen to Before a Match: Athlete Favorites?! Energizing Anthems and Victory Tracks (161–170)
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.
