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)
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.
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!
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.
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.
Battle Scars ft. Lupe FiascoGuy Sebastian
Mikuru Asakura is a mixed martial artist who’s also hugely popular on YouTube.
As an MMA fighter, he’s among the top talents in RIZIN, with a style that involves outboxing to control the fight and, when it’s time to strike, finishing opponents with a left hook.
His entrance song is “Battle Scars ft.
Lupe Fiasco,” a track by Australian singer Guy Sebastian that became a global hit.
While many Japanese people may associate the song more with Mikuru Asakura, the lyrics themselves are excellent—so be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well!
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.