Ranking of popular sports songs
Sports and music are closely connected, aren’t they?
When you actually play sports yourself, don’t you often listen to music too?
Plus, from the Olympics to each sport’s World Cup, there are always theme songs, and at baseball games, live brass-band fight songs are essential!
In this article, we’ll rank and introduce some of the most popular songs among the many pieces of music related to sports.
If you’re looking for songs that go well with sports, be sure to use this as a reference.
Ranking of Popular Sports Songs (1–10)
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK1rank/position
An aggressive rock number by ONE OK ROCK that champions valuing instinct over logic and the importance of always pushing forward! Its powerful vocals and driving sound will inspire anyone who listens.
The track was selected as the ending theme for the TBS TV program “Arabikidan,” and upon its release in February 2010, it reached No.
9 on the Oricon weekly chart—marking the band’s first-ever Top 10 entry.
It’s the perfect song to boost your motivation during a workout, delivering a fiery message that feels like it’s telling you, “Now’s the time to get moving!”—sure to ignite your determination.
OrangeSPYAIR2rank/position
A heart-thumping number where the bittersweetness of youth coexists with optimism.
The lyrics, which look back on past memories while singing of hope for the future, are particularly striking.
Released in February 2024, this track was used as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle and became a major talking point.
It marks SPYAIR’s fourth collaboration with the Haikyu!! series.
Fresh and energetic, the song is perfect to listen to before an important game or competition.
It will surely give a gentle push to your back as you believe in yourself and move forward.
FateOfisharu Higedan Dism3rank/position
Official HIGE DANDism’s third single, which lit up the grand stage of high school baseball in the summer of 2019.
It was chosen as the ABC Summer High School Baseball cheering song and the theme for the documentary program Nettou Koshien.
In creating it, the members watched the Spring Senbatsu at Koshien Stadium, expanding their vision as they felt the heat of the stands and the scent of the infield dirt firsthand.
The rich arrangement and the structure that surges from a period of endurance into a chorus where the view bursts open are breathtaking.
Listen to it before taking that important first step, and it will surely rouse your spirit.
Kitearashi4rank/position
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.
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS5rank/position
A signature song by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS released in 2010.
It’s also a high school baseball cheer song, featuring Masahiro Tanaka of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles on the cover and in the music video.
It’s a passionate track that evokes the image of high school players striving for the summer Koshien tournament.
The lyrics, which sing about the importance of hard work being rewarded and the courage to take a step forward, resonate deeply.
It drew attention as the official cheer song for Asahi Broadcasting’s 92nd Summer High School Baseball Tournament and became beloved by many.
It’s a song that gives you courage in important moments and conveys a solid sense of strength.
Endless JourneyMr.Children6rank/position
Mr.
Children’s masterpiece “Owari Naki Tabi” (Endless Journey) is widely cherished as an anthem for life.
Released as a single in October 1998, it also gained attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Naguru Onna.” Symbolizing the band’s full-fledged restart after their hiatus, it topped the Oricon chart and became a million seller.
Spanning about seven minutes, it begins with a quiet introspection, gradually builds in intensity, and then unleashes emotion in the chorus—an arc that deeply stirs listeners’ hearts.
Some baseball fans may remember it as the walk-up song for Hanshin Tigers pitcher Yuki Nishi.
It’s a power song we highly recommend to anyone who wants to steel themselves in decisive moments.
The BeginningONE OK ROCK7rank/position
A powerful cheer song that traces the emotional journey from searching for the meaning of life and hope to the resolve to take a new step forward.
ONE OK ROCK’s melodious rock sound blends perfectly with vocalist Taka’s emotionally rich voice.
Released in August 2012 as their seventh single, this track also drew attention as the theme song for the film Rurouni Kenshin starring Takeru Satoh.
The protagonist’s determination to overcome past trials and move toward the future aligns beautifully with the movie’s story.
Listen to it while walking, and its driving beat and positive message will give you a push—it’s truly a perfect companion for your workout.