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!? Power-Packed Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks (21–30)
The BeginningONE OK ROCK
This is a song by ONE OK ROCK, a four-piece rock band that’s active internationally.
It was released in 2012 as their seventh single.
The track was chosen as the theme song for the live-action film Rurouni Kenshin and became a hot topic.
Tennis player Kei Nishikori has named it as a song he listens to before matches and has even used it as his walk-on music.
The emotional sound and vocals are really cool.
TouchInaba Hiroshi
It’s a heart-stirring number where the original melody is matched with Hiroshi Inaba’s powerful vocals.
It carries a message of encouragement to athletes who are steadily putting in the work toward the big stage.
You can feel the rising excitement before the competition, and it really sets your heart on fire.
This piece, a cover of a single originally released in March 1985, came out in March 2026.
It was selected as a support song for the World Baseball Classic.
When you’re trying to overcome hardships, it’s sure to move you.
There may be days when you’re brought to tears, but give it one more push with this work—may you reach your dream stage like a wind that blows straight through!
Kokoro-eroodo obu mejyaa
Listening to anime theme songs about sports before a game really boosts your motivation, doesn’t it? A great recommendation is “Kokoro-e” by Road of Major.
This song was the opening theme for the hugely popular baseball anime series MAJOR, and it can pump you up not just for baseball, but for all kinds of sports before a match.
CathartistRADWIMPS
You can’t help wanting to listen to a hype song before a sports match, right? A great recommendation for that is RADWIMPS’ “Catharsist.” It was chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s soccer coverage in 2018, so a lot of people might recognize it.
The song is cool, the rhythm is great, and it really pumps you up before a game.
I’ve gotta do the thing that seems impossible.Sambomasutā
Among the Japanese rock scene, Sambomaster are especially known for delivering passionate messages.
This song is one of their most popular anthems, and it’s a recommended hype-up track that fills you with motivation and courage.
Just like its title, “Dekikkonai wo Yaranakucha” (“We’ve Gotta Do What Seems Impossible”), it makes you feel that precisely because something looks impossible, it’s worth taking on.
When you’re up against a stronger opponent, or when you need to deliver your best result ever—before that crucial, do-or-die match—listen to this song and draw strength from it.
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
A signature song by FUNKY MONKEY BΛBY’S released in 2010.
It’s also a popular high school baseball cheer song, and Rakuten Eagles pitcher Masahiro Tanaka appeared on the cover and in the music video.
Some people may recall the massive sing-along just before Rakuten clinched the Japan Series against the Giants in 2013.
It’s a track that gives you courage at important moments and lets you feel a sure, powerful strength.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
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This fast-paced rock number gives listeners a powerful push forward.
Released as a single in June 2015, it has been featured in numerous commercials and TV show themes and is beloved as a staple song for school sports days and athletic festivals.
The lyrics carry the message: “Even if it’s tough, if you keep moving forward, a shining future awaits,” resonating not only with athletes heading into competition but also with anyone anxious about what lies ahead.
If you ever find yourself thinking, “What’s the point of trying so hard?” give it a listen.
It will surely help you lift your head and face forward again.