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!? Energizing Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks (41–50)
To Us Who Were Once GeniusesCreepy Nuts
A track by Creepy Nuts, the hip-hop duo consisting of rapper R-Shitei—also known as Japan’s top battle MC—and DJ Matsunaga, winner of a world DJ championship.
The song features a track with a jazz-like walking bass phrase, over which rap and vocals are blended in exquisite balance.
It carries the theme that although everyone was special at first, we tend to forget that feeling as we grow up—and that even now, we can become anything.
Catchy yet powerfully message-driven, it’s a song that resonates deeply.
Let’s give it a tryWANIMA
This is the first digital single by WANIMA, a three-piece rock band from Kumamoto Prefecture known for electrifying stage performances that thrill audiences and community-rooted activities that resonate with a wide range of listeners.
It’s a cover of the British folk song “The Picnic,” arranged in WANIMA’s signature style, and was featured in the au commercial series “Santaro – Spring Door: Try It.” With its familiar melody and positive message, it’s the kind of track that could boost athletes’ excitement and motivation before a game.
A refreshing, fast-paced rock tune with powerful choral work and a tight ensemble that feels great to listen to.
horizonback number
“Suiheisen” (Horizon) is a digital single by back number released in 2021.
The song was created in response to the cancellation of the 2020 Inter-High School Championships and was initially unveiled as a surprise exclusively on their official YouTube channel.
Its lyrics carry a message to the high school students who couldn’t compete, making it an encouraging anthem that lifts your spirits.
With its steady tempo and powerful sound, it’s a track that boosts motivation—definitely give it a listen!
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE
This song is hugely popular not only as a sports anthem but also as a cheer-up song for life, so it’s definitely one we can’t leave out! Before a game, you might overthink things and lose confidence.
But listening to this track will lighten your heart with the message: “Even if you fail, you can reset and try again as many times as it takes!” It’s also said that Miwa Yoshida’s vocals have a 1/f fluctuation quality, which makes her voice soothing and therapeutic.
It’s perfect for calming your mind and boosting your concentration.
ファイラゲーンnobobyknows̟+
This is a fantastic nobodyknows+ track with an exhilarating sense of speed.
Written specifically as the theme song for TBS’s baseball broadcasts in February 2026, it marks their first new release in about eight years.
It’s the ultimate hype anthem that gives you the power to push forward positively—something we’d love not only players but also the fans who cheer every game to hear.
Perfect for getting pumped up before a match, it’s sure to move you.
You who fightThe Back Horn
The Back Horn is known for lyrics that delve into the human inner world.
They created “Tatakau Kimi yo” with the hope that people on the verge of giving up will start running again.
As the title suggests, it focuses on those who strive, but it also portrays negative emotions, resulting in a song that feels close and supportive.
That’s likely one reason it resonates with so many listeners.
Also not to be missed is the intense sound that spurs on those who are giving it their all.
Listening to it will surely fill you with motivation.
You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS
A track from RADWIMPS’ fourth major-label album, Zettai Zetsumei, which was released in March 2011.
It was also used as NHK’s soccer theme song that year, so in that sense it might be perfect to listen to before a sports match to boost your motivation.
Even aside from that, it’s definitely an upbeat, major-key song that lifts your spirits, so it could be a good one to put on when you’re feeling down.
