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] Loved by Athletes Too!? Powerful Anthems and Victory Tracks (221–230)
Never Stop!Every Little Thing
Every Little Thing’s “Never Stop!” is their sixth single, released in 1997.
I think many people have experienced setbacks while chasing their dreams.
In those times, how about relaxing with this song? It’s not a piercing rock sound or a tear-jerker—it’s natural and gentle, wrapping you up with the message that if you don’t give up, your dreams will surely come true.
When things don’t go as planned and stress builds up, heading into the woods and listening to this track sounds like the perfect way to blow off steam.
Over DriveJUDY AND MARY
This is the seventh single by the legendary rock band JUDY AND MARY, affectionately known as “JudyMari.” Even after their breakup in 2001, fans have continually called for a reunion.
The song was featured in a commercial for the Toyota Corolla Touring Wagon and is also known for becoming the band’s first entry into the Top 10 of the Oricon charts.
The cute vocals and pop arrangement create a unique atmosphere that both calms and fires up athletes.
With hopeful, positive lyrics that lift your spirits, it’s one of JudyMari’s signature tracks.
WINJay Rock
Here’s “WIN,” one of tennis player Naomi Osaka’s favorite songs.
It’s a track by American rapper Jay Rock, released in 2018 and included on his album Redemption.
The intro, with triumphant brass like trumpets and trombones, really fires you up! The repeated lyrics about “winning” convey a confidence of “I will never lose.” It’s easy to understand why Osaka likes to listen to it.
When the moment calls for it, let’s boost our morale by listening to the same track she does!
brand-newKANA-BOON
KANA-BOON’s songs often lift you up and make you feel positive, don’t they? “Massara” is another track with the band’s signature sense of speed that makes you feel an irresistible urge to start running as soon as you hear it.
Released in 2019, it’s also well-known for being the theme song of the anime Sarazanmai.
With a chorus that makes you want to sing along, it’s perfect for pumping yourself up before a match—and great for getting hyped before practice, too.
Head-On Showdown feat. MC☆Nigari a.k.a. Red Lightning, KOPERUKEN THE 390
“Makkō Shōbu” (Head-On Showdown) is a track released in 2016 by KEN THE 390.
KEN THE 390 is a rapper and MC who served as a judge on the TV Asahi rap battle show Freestyle Dungeon, and many rappers who appeared on the show as challengers also feature on this song.
With lyrics about the spirit of facing a battle head-on, it’s a perfect fit for sports and is highly recommended for boosting motivation!
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.
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Athletes Love Them Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Victory Tracks (231–240)
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.