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 Play Before a Match] Beloved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Battle Tracks (181–190)
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.
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Athletes Love Them Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tunes (191–200)
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.
ColorsThe Sketchbook
Released in 2012, this is The Sketchbook’s fourth single.
The Sketchbook was formed as a band project that originated from the TV anime SKET DANCE.
Among famous athletes, figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu reportedly listened to this song to get fired up during the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
It teaches the importance of having a color that’s uniquely your own.
Run!Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto
A song by Momoiro Clover Z, a four-member idol group that calls themselves “weekend heroines” and has set numerous records.
It’s packed with hooks that keep listeners engaged: a catchy structure that starts right from the chorus, a lively overall backing track, an A section with a relaxed melody, and a B section that shifts into a 16-beat melodic rap.
Despite its complex arrangement, the cute, idol-like lyrics stand out, making it a track that reaffirms their popularity.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
This is Takako Okamura’s fifth single, released in 1987.
It’s well known as a classic cheer song, having been selected among high school baseball players’ favorite songs during tournament broadcasts.
The lyrics watch over those who pursue their dreams head-on.
A quiet, gentle gaze comes through in her refreshing vocals.
365 Days’ Paper AirplaneAKB48
“365 Nichi no Kamihikouki” is a single by AKB48 released in 2015.
It was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Asa ga Kita,” and it reached No.
6 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
The lyrics describe a paper airplane cutting through the wind and moving forward with strength, which resonates with athletes giving their all before a competition.
Its gentle tempo also makes it a great pick for calming your nerves before a match.
On the edge (chop)B’z
The 26th single by B’z, the solitary rock unit that has set countless milestones in the J-pop scene—including recognition from Guinness World Records as the best-selling album artist in Japan.
Used as the theme song for the TV anime Detective Conan, its high-speed shuffle-beat rock sound is exhilarating.
The lyrics, which resonate with athletes who have honed themselves by pushing their limits, can instill confidence in what you’ve built up when you listen before a match.
An aggressive rock tune whose powerful vocals and thrilling guitar work will raise your adrenaline.