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!? Power-Packed Anthems and Game-Day Tracks (211–220)
modal SoulNujabes
This is a track by Nujabes, a Tokyo-born producer whose music is also extremely popular overseas.
It’s included on the 2005 album of the same name, Modal Soul.
The soft, mysterious soundscape is fascinating—you can listen to it endlessly.
It’s said that tennis player Kei Nishikori listens to it before matches, as it helps calm his mind.
Consultation Heaven↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓
This is a track released by THE HIGH-LOWS in 1996.
Brimming with a sense of speed, it was also used at the time in a Nissan Silvia commercial.
The guitar riffs, reminiscent of classic hard rock, and the fiery shouts crank up the tension, while the chorus eases it with subtly laid-back, humorous lyrics.
MODEChinza DOPENESS & HIFANA
When it comes to songs you listen to for a boost, most are bright and brisk, but “MODE” by Chinza DOPENESS & HIFANA seems energizing in a different way.
Chinza DOPENESS is a rapper, and HIFANA is a duo that crafts beats with programming and samplers.
It’s a track that leans pop while incorporating underground elements—laid-back rap lyrics interspersed with DJ scratching here and there.
It’s recommended for anyone who wants to switch gears casually without overthinking.
Helloyama × bocchiboromaru
A heartwarming collaborative piece by yama and Bocchi Boromaru, brimming with positive energy as a rousing anthem.
It carries a message that awakens hope for the future and a spirit of adventure, with a simple yet powerful melody that resonates deeply.
The song is approachable for a wide audience and was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Pokémon starting in October 2023.
In December 2023, it was released on CD in two formats: a standard edition and a limited-time production edition.
As a positive track that makes you want to sing along with someone, it’s perfect for cheering at sports days and athletic festivals.
Raise your voices together with friends under the blue sky, and it will surely become a wonderful memory.
A bouquet for meAdo
An uplifting cheer song filled with energy and courage, paired with a heartwarming melody, guides us toward a positive mindset.
Released in March 2025, this piece gives us the courage to take a step toward tomorrow.
HoneyWorks’ refreshing composition and Ado’s powerful yet gentle vocals harmonize beautifully.
It was also featured as the CM song for Coca-Cola’s canned coffee brand Georgia, and is cherished as a track that encourages you at the start of the morning.
Scheduled to be included on the album “Ado’s Best Album,” this song is perfect for the exit scene at a sports day.
It heightens the sense of accomplishment after giving your all and builds anticipation for new challenges.
It starts here!DREAMS COME TRUE
An encouraging song by DREAMS COME TRUE that sings of life’s challenges and hopes through the lens of an ekiden relay race.
Its lively rhythm fuses ’80s disco with contemporary reggaeton, showcasing a cosmopolitan, borderless musicality.
Beyond cheering on the runners, it’s a powerful anthem that gives courage to anyone taking a new step forward.
Released in January 2025, the track was written as the theme song for an ekiden event commemorating the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
It has also been chosen as the theme song for the film “Kaminofude: The Island of Kaiju,” drawing significant attention.
It’s a perfect choice to stage a unifying finale for all participants during the exit scene of a school sports day.
Rocky Themebirukonti
A sports anthem that resonates with a powerful brass section and full orchestral sound, portraying humanity’s boundless potential and passion.
Known as a quintessential masterpiece at the intersection of film and music, it stages a grand narrative themed around hard work, growth, and a leap toward one’s dreams.
Composed by Bill Conti for the film Rocky, released in February 1977, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in July of the same year and ranked 58th on AFI’s 100 Years of Film Scores.
Beyond exit scenes, it’s a highly effective track for moments when you want to encourage people who are giving their all—such as school events, sports day practice, and lineup formations.