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] Beloved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Winning Tracks (51–60)
Footsteps ~ Be StrongMr.Children
Mr.Children’s 35th single, released in November 2014.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama and Toho-distributed film Nobunaga Concerto.
It’s a very Mr.Children-like, powerful ballad, and together with its lyrics, it’s the perfect song to quietly raise your motivation before a match.
Sakurai’s vocals—familiar as ever, one might say—combine gentleness and strength, further emphasizing the message of the song.
I think it’s a track where both the song and the singing truly come alive.
GO FOR IT!!Nishino Kana
Kana Nishino’s 18th single, “GO FOR IT!!,” released in 2012.
With a music video featuring cheerleaders and a rousing chorus that shouts the title, it’s safe to call this a quintessential cheer song! Her bright vocals add even more sparkle to the lively vibe.
It’s one of the best tracks to boost your morale—not just before a game, but also before exams or an important task.
I mean, the title itself basically says, “Just go for it!!”
Alright!!Superfly
Hearing a powerful singing voice somehow gives you courage, doesn’t it? With that in mind, I really want you to listen to “Alright!!”.
It’s a song Superfly wrote specifically for the drama BOSS.
Inspired by the show’s protagonist, it’s a powerful track.
Another hallmark of this song is the scat that appears in the chorus.
It’s incredibly catchy and sticks in your head, right? How about humming along to it to lift your spirits?
Live in the present.Saucy Dog
There are times when you might wish to go back to the past or feel anxious about the future.
In those moments, I recommend listening to Live in the Present.
It’s a song Saucy Dog wrote specifically as the support anthem for the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
It sings about three timelines—the past, the present, and the future—and reminds us that the only thing we can do is give our best right now.
With its sense of speed and drive, it’s perfect for pumping yourself up before practice or whenever you want to raise your energy.
[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Beloved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Fight Anthems and Victory Tracks (61–70)
far; distant; by farGReeeeN
GReeeeN is a male artist group that keeps creating masterpieces like “Kiseki” and “Aiuta.” This song is about the resolve to make your dreams come true.
In particular, it will serve as engine fuel to ignite the hearts of athletes taking on their final competition.
The music video tells the story of a young person chasing a dream and their family.
Not only listening to the song but also watching the MV will set your heart on fire.
It’s a song that motivates not just athletes, but anyone to give their best.
sasanqua (Camellia sasanqua)SEKAI NO OWARI
This song was chosen as NHK’s theme for the Pyeongchang Olympics and is a very popular anthem for supporting sports.
When you think of “songs to listen to before a game” or “songs that boost motivation,” many people might imagine intense, hard-rock tracks.
But songs like this one, which gently remind you of what’s important, are also highly recommended.
If you relax while listening to this song and reflect on all the effort you’ve put in, I’m sure you’ll be able to head into the match with confidence.
tomorrow’s skyikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari’s songs are popular among athletes, and many of them listen before competitions.
One track I recommend from Ikimono-gakari is “Ashita no Sora.” It’s upbeat and overwhelmingly positive, so I think it can help calm pre-game nerves and keep excessive excitement in check.
Listening to this song makes it feel like you can play just as you always do.
