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: Athlete Favorites?! Energizing Anthems and Victory Tracks (161–170)
Critical HitRADWIMPS
Overflowing with fiery passion and strength, this is the track RADWIMPS released to the world in December 2013 on the album “X to O to Tsumi to.” The protagonist, who can’t surpass their own expectations no matter how many regrets they pile up, is striking as they wrestle between ideals and reality yet still take a bold step forward by following their true feelings.
The music video—shot at Ageo Municipal Baseball Stadium in Saitama Prefecture with 1,500 extras—was directed by Takuro Okubo.
This work harmonizes Yojiro Noda’s poetic lyrics with the band’s powerful sound to stunning effect, capturing the hearts of many listeners and dominating the on-air charts at FM stations to take the No.
1 spot.
It’s a song that gives you a strong push on the back in those moments when you want to look ahead and dash forward with everything you’ve got—like the exit scene at a school sports day.
a winning battleToukyou Jihen
This piece was also chosen as the image song for WOWOW Tennis 2020.
It’s performed by Tokyo Jihen, a band whose members each boast exceptional musicianship.
The track’s pop yet edgy sound vividly evokes athletes fighting with everything they’ve got.
The English lyrics embody an unrelenting obsession with victory, and simply listening to it stirs your competitive spirit.
The song is included on the classic album “Sports,” released in February 2010.
It’s the perfect track to play when you want to sharpen your focus before a match or when you’re heading into a contest you absolutely cannot lose.
Be sure to check it out!
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.
Kill This LoveBLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is a four-member Korean girl group that’s active worldwide and drawing major attention.
Their song “Kill This Love” delivers a hard-hitting, powerful sound brimming with femininity and female strength.
It carries a message about breaking away from your weaker self and becoming a stronger, new you.
It’s the perfect track to stoke your motivation before a match.
Permission to DanceBTS
Written and composed by artists and professionals including Ed Sheeran, “Permission to Dance” is a classic dance-pop track that energized 2021 through its collaboration with the globally active BTS.
With a rhythm that makes you want to get up and dance and an overwhelmingly positive message, it’s simply a joy to listen to.
I think it has the power to evoke the pure feelings of childhood and emotions like fun and love.
Mai Murakami, the Tokyo Olympics gymnastics bronze medalist, reportedly listened to BTS songs to get herself pumped up too.
Its driving sense of dynamism feels great, and I highly recommend it as a track to boost your motivation!
one’s true feelingssumika
Written as the official cheer song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, this is “Honne” by the rock band sumika.
Sumika is beloved for lyrics that speak directly to listeners with powerful vocals, and table tennis player Tomokazu Harimoto has publicly declared himself a fan.
“Honne” sings about the weaknesses and frustrations that almost inevitably arise when chasing a dream—the candid “true feelings” laid bare—and the friendship that grows among teammates.
Whether in individual or team events, relationships with teammates are vital in sports.
This is a song that makes you truly feel, “It’s because we support each other that we can keep going.”
FrontierKitazono Ryo
While Ryo Kitazono is primarily active as an actor, he also releases original songs as a singer.
“Frontier” is an invigorating track, brimming with a driving sound and the refreshing clarity of Kitazono’s voice.
Having appeared in many musicals, his vocals are rock-solid, fully on par with professional musicians.
It’s an uplifting song that only Kitazono—who has stood on countless stages and experienced the front lines of acting firsthand—could sing.
It’s perfect for anyone starting something new.