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] Athletes Love Them Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tunes (191–200)
superstartsuyoi
Many athletes use Tsuyoshi’s classic “Superstar” as their entrance song.
The most famous example as an entrance theme is likely former K-1 fighter Kouzi.
As a track, it’s crafted with easy-to-catch lyrics at its core and a pleasantly paced melody.
That makes it a great pick for casually boosting your motivation.
There’s also a special version for Kouzi, so if you’re a fan, be sure to check that out as well.
JitterbugELLEGARDEN
It’s their third single, released in 2003.
The lyrics are primarily in Japanese, and Hosomi said it was the first song where he seriously engaged with the Japanese language.
With very straightforward, direct lyrics, it’s a perfect track for facing a match head-on.
no heart rate[Alexandros]
![no heart rate[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OwLkGMBYL7I/sddefault.jpg)
An uplifting song with a driving rock sound and lyrics that convey straight-ahead passion.
Created by [Alexandros] as the opening theme for the TV anime Ao Ashi, it’s a perfect fit for this coming-of-age drama centered on soccer.
Since its digital release in June 2022, it has captured the hearts of many listeners, reaching No.
13 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles chart and No.
97 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
It’s a track you’ll want to add to any playlist for sports—whether you need a boost in motivation or are pushing toward your goals.
FantasistaDragon Ash
A classic Dragon Ash track that fuses powerful guitar sounds with a danceable beat.
The mix of English lyrics and striking flows in this mixture rock piece brims with elation and passion.
Released in March 2002, it was chosen as the theme song for Nippon TV’s broadcasts of the 2002 FIFA World Cup that same year, and was also included on the album HARVEST.
In live performances, it famously kicks off with Kj’s call, instantly sweeping the entire venue into a frenzy.
Energetic and positive, this song is perfect for boosting your motivation during training.
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Athlete-Approved!? Power-Packed Anthems and Winning Tunes (201–210)
winding roadNovelbright
Born in January 2025, Novelbright’s latest track is an uplifting anthem filled with strength and hope for facing life head-on.
It powerfully sings about the importance of believing in yourself and moving forward along life’s winding roads.
With its grand sound and refreshing melody, it resonates deeply and gently gives listeners a push forward.
Chosen as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s Drama 9 series “Dragon of the Court,” it’s also drawing attention for its music video directed by actor Hiroshi Tamaki.
Played during the exit scene of a school sports day, it would further amplify the children’s sense of accomplishment after the events and their excitement for taking the next step.
PhotographEXILE ATSUSHI feat. Tōkyō Sukaparadaisu Ōkesutora
This is a rousing anthem that sings of the dream of Koshien on a grand scale.
A message-driven work that engraves in the heart the efforts and friendships of high school baseball players, the bonds with teammates, and gratitude toward family.
EXILE ATSUSHI’s deeply emotive vocals blend beautifully with the brilliant horn section of Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
Since its release in June 2023, it has been used as the support song for the 105th National High School Baseball Championship and as the theme song for “Netto Koshien,” stirring the hearts of baseball fans across the country.
Sheet music for school wind bands has also been published and is widely performed.
PRIDENovelbright
This is a heartfelt, emotional rock track packed with passion.
Released by Novelbright in November 2022 and featured as the ending theme for the anime Yowamushi Pedal LIMIT BREAK, the song stands out with its energetic sound and vocals that soar beautifully into the higher register.
It conveys a strong resolve to believe in yourself and keep moving forward.
For athletes who train daily toward their dreams, it’s a song that gives the courage to overcome setbacks and hardships and keep progressing.