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
Ranking of Popular Sports Songs (51–60)
Thunderous applauseLiSA57rank/position
A rock song that fires you up to fight! “Issei no Kassai” is a track LiSA wrote for the 2022 FIFA World Cup theme.
Set to an up-tempo sound, it captures the mindset of athletes charging toward victory.
It also portrays the negative feelings players face before a match, making it a song that stays close to your anxieties.
For DecadesLittle Glee Monster58rank/position
An uplifting anthem that sings of the strength to face forward through setbacks and tears, and the will to keep walking together toward our dreams.
Little Glee Monster harnesses their signature harmonies to deliver a grand, powerful melody that stirs the listener’s heart.
Included on the album “Ambitious,” this track has been selected as the official J.League support song for 2025 and will be featured in stadiums and game broadcasts.
This warm fusion of sports and music will gently encourage everyone striving toward their goals.
breakthroughSUPER BEAVER59rank/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 Sheeran60rank/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.
Popular Sports Songs Ranking (61–70)
Someday, these tearsLittle Glee Monster61rank/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.
You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS62rank/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.
Runnerbakufū suranpu63rank/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.