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
Popular Sports Songs Ranking (61–70)
You and the slopesSHISHAMO61rank/position
Speaking of winter slopes, you can’t help but crave this band’s exhilarating sound! In this SHISHAMO track, the contrast between the driving, fast-paced melody and the lyrics that tighten your chest is irresistible.
Set to buoyant guitar rock, it sings of the bittersweet scene of a one-sided love you suddenly notice amidst what should be a fun day in the snowy mountains.
Released as a single in December 2015, it was also chosen as the ending theme for KBS Kyoto TV’s “Kyo-Spo.” Whether you’re on a lively snowboarding trip with friends or just listening in the car on the way, it’s guaranteed to lift your spirits.
It’s an irresistible song for anyone who wants to savor that sweet-and-sour youthfulness in the air!
breakthroughSUPER BEAVER62rank/position
A four-piece rock band, SUPER BEAVER has been drawing attention with emotionally resonant messages that pierce the heart and a classic yet modern rock sound.
This is their 13th single overall.
Released as a double A-side together with “I Want to Be Someone’s Pride,” it was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Haikyu!! TO THE TOP.
Its straightforward, fast-paced rock ensemble and positive lyrics are sure to lift the spirits of athletes who get nervous before a match.
With powerful vocals that give you courage, it’s an up-tempo tune that makes you feel like you’re fighting right alongside them.
Shape of YouEd Sheeran63rank/position
Ed Sheeran, a British singer-songwriter who is extremely popular in Japan as well.
When it comes to his signature songs, many people probably think of Shape of You.
The track is notable for its sultry lyrics, in which a young man unabashedly expresses his desire for an older woman, while the melody is crafted into a refreshing, tropical house–inspired sound.
As a result, it pairs well with light exercise such as running or jogging.
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster64rank/position
An uplifting anthem with majestic choir and dramatic sound, powered by Little Glee Monster’s striking harmonies that truly move the heart.
It sings of the hope that the tears shed through effort and challenge will one day turn into a badge of honor, while its warm vocals gently but firmly embrace a heart burdened by doubt.
Included on the album “juice” and released in January 2018, the song was chosen as the support anthem for the 96th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
It wraps you in a feeling of wanting to grow together with friends striving toward their dreams, encouraging one another along the way.
Runnerbakufū suranpu65rank/position
Debuting in 1984, this was Bakufu Slump’s twelfth single and their breakout hit, which made them synonymous with youth rock.
The song was originally written for a member who was leaving the band, carrying a message that even if they go down different paths, they’ll both keep running forward.
That resolve resonates with athletes who are always pushing beyond their limits.
With the chorus repeating in the latter half, it’s a signature Bakufu Slump track that makes you want to start running before you know it.
You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS66rank/position
It was chosen as the theme song for NHK’s soccer broadcasts in 2011.
The lyrics sing of youthful passion and the pursuit of dreams, resonating deeply with listeners.
It showcases RADWIMPS’ distinctive musicality and profound lyrics.
The song is included on the album Zettai Zetsumei, released in March 2011.
Written and composed by Yojiro Noda, it is known as one of the band’s signature works.
Not only soccer fans, but also young people striving toward their dreams will find it encouraging.
It’s a memorable track that evokes your youth and inspires you.
Battle of MonsterHotei Tomoyasu67rank/position
Naoya Inoue’s entrance theme—he’s so dominant that no one wants to face him, and his punches are so devastating that some have even accused him of hiding a weapon in his gloves—has become the anthem of a fighter who’s taking the world by storm with out-of-scale power and technique.
Originally written for the film Kill Bill, the song now symbolizes the Monster who reigns at the very summit of Japan’s boxing history—and even atop the global pound-for-pound rankings.
In his 2022 bout against Nonito Donaire, Tomoyasu Hotei himself performed the song live in the ring!
ThunderstruckAC/DC68rank/position
AC/DC is a legendary band from Australia.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, and their total album sales exceed 200 million, making them an extremely popular band.
Their classic song “Thunderstruck” was released in 1990 as the lead single from the album The Razors Edge.
The track is famous for being a staple played during NBA games.
It has a melody that just feels so quintessentially American—though they’re an Australian band (lol).
The Final CountdownEurope69rank/position
This is the massive hit song released in 1986 by Europe, the Swedish pioneers of Nordic metal, whose intro phrase—featuring a gloriously grand, triumphant synth tone—is almost too famous.
Not only is it the band’s signature track, but in Japan it’s also known from commercials, making it a classic that most people have heard at least once.
In connection with the NBA, it’s well known as the entrance song for the Detroit Pistons, the team nicknamed the “Bad Boys” for their rough-and-tumble play.
Many Pistons fans surely recall the countless heated games held at the team’s former arena, The Palace of Auburn Hills, every time they hear this song.
MemoriesMAN WITH A MISSION70rank/position
For anyone who loves sporty activities, MAN WITH A MISSION is indispensable.
That sweaty, dance-like vibe you feel at festivals is something I think carries over to winter sports, too.
Their songs are supremely melodic—danceable, exhilarating, and moving enough to make you cry.
