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)
earnest desireSUPER BEAVER
SUPER BEAVER’s deeply moving masterpiece that sings about the importance of human connections is included on their album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.
The song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built with the support of many people and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.
The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the anthem for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.
It’s the perfect song for cheering on those practicing for sports days and field days, or for reminiscing about the memories of working up a sweat with your friends.
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 victorious smile with youUkasukaji
This song delivers a powerful message that resonates deeply: “Move forward with pride in your heart.” Created by Ukkasuka-G, it was released in May 2014 as the official support song for the Japan national soccer team and drew attention as the lead single from the album AMIGO.
The warm vocals born from the collaboration between Kazutoshi Sakurai of Mr.Children and GAKU-MC, along with lyrics that sing of the courage to take on challenges and the importance of bonds with teammates, gently push listeners forward.
It’s cherished as a cheer song for club activities and sports days, and as a source of support for those striving toward their dreams.
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Loved by Athletes Too!? Powerful Anthems and Victory Tracks (221–230)
Start to shine and run forwardSambomasutā
This is a renowned song that powerfully portrays a protagonist, burning with passion, dashing toward the future while pursuing their true self.
It resonates with the message that there’s no need to imitate anyone else, and that it’s important to let your own unique flower bloom.
The track is filled with courage and determination, urging listeners to take a step toward hope by overcoming the sorrow and pain they carry.
Released as Sambomaster’s single in August 2018, it was used as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Cheer☆Dan.” As a song that supports the story of high school students striving toward their dreams, it deeply moved many viewers.
It’s a piece that strongly pushes the backs of those devoted to lessons and practice, and those facing hardships, giving them the courage to take a step forward.
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.
I wanted to see you.AKB48
In today’s J-pop scene, the first idol group that likely comes to mind is AKB48, and this is their major-label debut single.
With numerous tie-ins on news and variety shows, it’s one of their signature songs that helped make the AKB48 name known nationwide.
Its catchy chorus, repeated throughout, and the adorably bright vocals typical of idol songs are sure to soothe even athletes feeling nervous before a game.
Just listening to it lifts your spirits and makes you feel positive—truly a quintessential modern idol song.
I can hear the fanfare.Base Ball Bear
“Fanfare ga Kikoeru,” performed by Base Ball Bear, a three-piece rock band formed in 2001, is their 16th single, released in 2013.
It was the tie-in song for KONAMI’s mobile game app Pro Yakyū Dream Nine SUPERSTARS, and it’s a track that sings about the complex of not being the main character.
In 2014, it was also chosen as the theme song for a baseball broadcast program on the TOKYO MX network.
It’s an up-tempo rock tune that will get you pumped up, so definitely give it a listen!
