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)
ultra soulB’z
It was the official theme song for the 2001 FINA World Championships.
In 2011, an arranged version titled “ultra soul 2011” was released, and in 2013 the song was used again—so for many people, this tune is synonymous with the World Aquatics Championships! Not just for swimming, it’s a track that can massively boost your motivation before a match and fill you with the strength to shake off pressure.
The lyrics carry a strong message and are really compelling to listen to!
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Beloved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Winning Tracks (51–60)
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
Yuzu’s 21st single, released in July 2004.
It was also the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympics coverage.
Musically, it’s a gently reflective ballad, but the lyrics unfold with a message of turning past experiences into courage.
It’s an ideal song to listen to before an important match—reflecting on your own hardships and efforts to build confidence and lift your spirits.
The tender, conversational vocals will surely give you even more courage.
Raise your flagMAN WITH A MISSION
A MAN WITH A MISSION track that instantly pours blazing heat into your nervous pre-game mind and body.
It was chosen as the opening theme for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans.
The sprinting, high-speed melody is perfect for warming up before a match! Lyrics like, “As long as your body, heart, and voice truly carry the will to run, even if you get discouraged, squeeze out your strength and run!” give you the power to push forward during that tense time when excitement and anxiety are mixed right before a competition.
If you keep raising your own flag, you might just achieve something amazing…
It’s a song that brings light even to an anxious heart.
OH！SHISHAMO
SHISHAMO’s “OH!” is a motivational song I’d recommend to anyone who likes girl bands.
The driving rhythm pairs perfectly with the cool guitar sound, and just listening to it gets you pumped up.
The lyrics are positive and seem to be sports-inspired, making it perfect for boosting your motivation.
rainbowTakahashi Yuu
A powerful song delivered by Yu Takahashi.
Born as a cheer anthem for high school baseball players on the Koshien stage, this track was also chosen as the ABC Summer High School Baseball support song and the theme for “Netto Koshien,” and it created a huge buzz upon its 2017 release.
The lyrics, which give you the courage to push forward through setbacks and hardships, resonate with everyone devoted to sports.
If you’re struggling to boost your motivation, why not add it to your playlist?
Kitearashi
The Tokyo Olympics are etched in the hearts of many.
Its theme song, which supported countless athletes, is “Kite.” This track was performed by the idol group Arashi, with lyrics and composition by Kenshi Yonezu.
Set to a sweeping melody, it celebrates the beauty of chasing one’s dreams.
Listening to it can help you feel refreshed and more positive.
Be sure to check it out together with the powerful special movie filmed at the National Stadium.
Don’t give upZARD
This song is a classic cheer anthem that’s deeply familiar as the marathon support song for 24-Hour TV, and you often hear it on television in other contexts too! It has a strong image as “the marathon song,” which is why it’s hugely popular as a sports cheer song.
Its quintessential ’90s J-pop sound will gently wrap your heart.
When you listen to the lyrics, which carry a message like “Don’t give up until the end!!,” you’ll be able to focus and fight through the match that’s about to begin.
