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)
Old RookieTakehara Pisutoru
What Gamba Osaka’s Takashi Usami is listening to is “Old Rookie” by singer-songwriter Pistol Takehara.
When you keep doing one thing you’ve decided on for a long time, you eventually get bored with the present and start indulging in nostalgia for the past.
Takehara’s view is that when that happens, people stop growing.
The song also carries the message that your constant opponent is yourself, that it’s important to strive toward the future so you won’t lose to who you’ve been up to now.
It might be the perfect song to listen to when you catch yourself thinking, “Every day feels the same.”
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Athletes Love Them Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tunes (191–200)
weedberii guddoman
A powerful cheer song by Beverly Goodman that supports everyone’s challenges toward their life dreams and goals.
The refreshing melodies woven by the Osaka-born trio and the sound that fuses J-pop with hip-hop leave a strong impression.
Its message-rich lyrics, which celebrate the process of hard work, give courage to hearts on the verge of giving up.
Released in August 2022, the song was also chosen as the theme for Asahi Broadcasting Radio’s “ABC Fresh Up Baseball” and featured in the Virtual High School Baseball spot video for the 104th National High School Baseball Championship.
It’s a track that gently yet powerfully pushes forward not only those striving in baseball, but everyone fighting to carve out their own path.
Poppin’ RunAina ji Endo
This is a song by Aina The End that carries a powerful message to ignite the hearts of athletes.
With a bright, light, and upbeat rhythm, it’s a pop dance tune that evokes courage and hope to move forward.
While expressing the beauty of keeping on running and striving toward your goals, it gently reminds us of the importance of not being fixated on winning or losing.
The music video released in November 2024 includes a scene where people celebrate on the podium, raising a gold medal.
It’s the perfect track for daily training or for giving your best while encouraging your teammates.
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.
