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.
- [To All Athletes] Inspirational Sports Anthems & Empowering Theme Songs
- Entrance Songs for Athletes | A Comprehensive Introduction to Athletes’ Game-Day Anthems!
- Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks That Overflow with Power
- Top Songs to Hype Up Sports Day and Athletic Festivals [2026]
- Songs that go well with sports
- Perfect for sports or driving! High-energy, fast-paced tracks that will get you pumped
- [Frenzy] A Collection of Popular High School Baseball Cheering Songs
- Koshien Songs & Theme Songs: Iconic Tracks and Fight Songs That Support High School Baseball Players
- Entrance music for sports. Classic and popular athlete anthems.
- Songs That Make You Want to Run: Music for Running and Jogging to Get You Motivated!
- [TOKYO 2020] Summary of Theme Songs and Cheer/Support Songs for the Tokyo Olympics
- [New Songs & All-Time] Olympic Cheer Songs and Olympic Theme Songs
- Song of Victory: Iconic Tracks Smiled Upon by the Goddess & Uplifting Cheer Anthems
Sports popular song rankings (31–40)
Kernkraft 400Zombie Nation31rank/position
A masterpiece of electronic music born in the ’90s, it’s supremely cool—limitlessly simple yet so impactful you can’t forget it after a single listen.
Zombie Nation’s track is also famous for its frequent use in sports scenes.
It’s often played at soccer and football games, and in the NBA it’s widely adopted as an entrance theme or background music by various teams.
Released in 1999, it dominated charts around the world and became a massive hit, even going platinum in the UK.
With its uncanny power to unite an entire stadium, why not let this song pull you into the frenzy of the NBA, too?
flying boatKing Gnu32rank/position
Kauta Hashimoto is a skilled fighter who shines in the RIZIN ring.
The King Gnu song used as his entrance theme is a powerful rock number produced in August 2019 as a commercial song for ANA.
With lyrics themed around breaking free from constraints and taking on new challenges, it speaks to the importance of escaping the cage called “righteousness” and living true to yourself—perfectly capturing a fighter’s state of mind.
It’s a standout track recommended for moments when you need the courage to face hardship and when you’re stepping up to a new stage.
Eye Of The TigerSurvivor33rank/position
Hearing the tense intro and the heavy yet dynamic mid-tempo sound will surely make many people squint with nostalgia.
The signature song by the American band Survivor not only became a massive hit around the world, but also won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance, making it one of the quintessential anthems of the 1980s.
In fact, the song was commissioned by Sylvester Stallone himself and was used as the theme for the 1982 film Rocky III.
It’s a track that teaches us the courage to face adversity and the importance of self-actualization—perfect for amping up the atmosphere at an NBA game.
Full-Power BoySukima Suichi34rank/position
An energetic song by Sukima Switch that awakens youthful passion and a pure heart.
It reminds us—through a refreshing melody—of the importance of the “give-it-your-all” attitude that we tend to forget as adults.
Released in April 2004 as a tie-in for an NTT Docomo Kansai regional commercial, the track skillfully fuses elements of pop rock and jazz, reflecting the members’ roots.
With a tempo around 120 BPM, it’s perfect for strolls and walks.
Recommended when you want a boost in motivation or when you’re feeling worn out by busy days.
At the End of SorrowElefanto Kashimashi35rank/position
Elephant Kashimashi, the rock band known for their powerful sound and soulful vocals.
One of the masterpieces they created truly hits straight to the heart as an anthem for life.
This song is a memorable single released in April 1996, marking the band’s new start.
It was chosen as the fifth opening theme for BS TV Tokyo’s “Golf Samurai, Appears!” and is also included on the album “Kokoro ni Hana wo.” When this track plays as a player faces a tough par putt, or at the very moment they clinch victory after a long battle, the emotion becomes even deeper.
HalationHata Motohiro36rank/position
Singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata.
The song he wrote as the theme for the 2009 National High School Baseball Championship is “Halation.” It’s a piece that sings of summer’s dazzling brightness and the swift passage of time, and its lyrics grip the hearts of many.
It’s also a great track for sparking memories of youth.
Another lovely touch is the subtle baseball-related phrases sprinkled throughout the lyrics—try listening while you look for them.
ultra soulB’z37rank/position
This single, released in March 2001, is an uplifting anthem delivered with a powerful rock sound and a message that strikes straight to the heart.
It conveys encouragement to those striving toward their dreams, depicting the emotions that waver between hope and disappointment, as well as the courage to challenge one’s own limits.
It’s a track where B’z’s signature sense of speed and Koshi Inaba’s dynamic vocals blend seamlessly.
The song was continuously selected as the official theme for the World Aquatics Championships from 2001 to 2024, becoming a staple that energizes the sports scene.
It’s also highly recommended as a cheer song for school sports days and athletic festivals, boosting participants’ morale and uniting everyone in excitement.
Kimisidai TrainONE OK ROCK38rank/position
This ambitious work by ONE OK ROCK is marked by powerful vocals and a fast-paced, exhilarating sound.
Interweaving English and Japanese lyrics, it expresses a determination to move forward—believing in one’s own potential and drawing strength from past experiences.
The members’ passionate performance blends perfectly with a message that pushes listeners onward.
Included on the album “Zankyo Reference,” released in October 2011, it’s cherished as a staple in live shows that fosters a strong sense of unity with fans.
More than just a boost during sports day practices, this song serves as a source of support when standing at life’s crossroads or taking a new step forward.
As many times as you likeDREAMS COME TRUE39rank/position
Nando Demo is hugely popular not only as a sports anthem but also as a song that cheers you on in life.
Before a big moment, 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 start over as many times as it takes!” Miwa Yoshida’s vocals are said to have a 1/f fluctuation, which is known to have a soothing effect.
It’s perfect for calming your mind and boosting your concentration!
FLY AGAIN 2019MAN WITH A MISSION40rank/position
MAN WITH A MISSION, the fluffy rock band with shocking wolf masks.
Their latest version of the 2011 release “fly again” is this “fly again 2019.” The original was already cool, but this update features a more refined sound.
It’s a perfect track for sports, stoking your fighting spirit.
