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 Tracks (231–240)
rainbowFukuyama Masaharu
To boost your motivation before a game, I believe it’s important to trust in everything you’ve done so far and see it through.
Masaharu Fukuyama’s “Niji” is captivating for its positive message, comparing tough times to rain and saying that if you endure them, you’ll see a beautiful rainbow.
It was also used as the theme song for the TV drama “WATER BOYS,” and many professional athletes recommend this track.
Listen to this song, give it your all, and do your best to reach that beautiful view.
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.
Believe in yourselfAbe Mao
Mao Abe’s “Believe in yourself,” with its bright, powerful melody, gives you a push from behind.
It was used as the opening theme for the anime Baby Steps, which follows a high school boy who, upon entering high school, becomes captivated by the appeal of tennis and grows into a tennis player.
To achieve results in anything, the process leading up to them is really important, right? But sometimes our weaker selves appear, thinking it might be okay to skip practice just a little… This song carries the message: Don’t lose to that side of yourself—believe in yourself and put in the work in practice, even if no one is watching! When you feel yourself getting pulled toward taking the easy way out, try listening to this song to fire yourself up.
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.
AHHH HALil Durk
Lil Durk is one of the most popular rappers right now.
He’s a real rapper whose life itself is hip-hop—more than just the music.
Among his catalog, the track I especially recommend is AHHH HA.
It was released as a response song in his beef with Never Broke Again YoungBoy, a.k.a.
YoungBoy.
Because of that, the lyrics are filled with aggressive expressions, but that sharp edge can actually be motivating for athletes, don’t you think? I especially recommend it for those competing in individual sports.
Dokimeki Diaryasmi feat. Chinozo
Like weaving together precious memories, this song is filled with uplifting messages brimming with hope and anticipation.
asmi’s clear, transparent vocals and Chinozo’s refined compositional sense blend beautifully, creating a pleasant sense of elation.
Portraying the courage and determination to take a new step forward while overcoming the anxieties and confusion of a journey of self-discovery, the track has been beloved as the opening theme for the Pokémon TV anime since April 2023.
It also received its first full-size performance during the special program “Anime Pokémon Music Festival,” broadcast on the TV Tokyo network on March 31.
It’s a powerful cheer song that gives you a supportive push at moments of new challenges—such as before events at sports days or athletic festivals.
Heavy rotationAKB48
The 17th major single by AKB48, the idol group known for having their own dedicated theater in Akihabara and for spawning numerous sister groups under the concept of “idols you can go to meet.” Used as the CM song for UHA Mikakuto’s “Puccho,” this track helped make the AKB48 name widely known beyond idol fans.
Its cute lyrics and vocals, plus a rock arrangement featuring guitar sounds, are packed with elements that boost excitement—even if you’re not an athlete.
It’s one of AKB48’s signature songs that’s perfect for everyone to sing together before a game to get pumped up.
