Soccer BGM: A collection of theme songs and cheering chants

The Great Escape

“The Great Escape” (1963, USA)

This is the theme song from the 1963 film The Great Escape (Japanese title: Daidassō).

It’s widely known not only as a piece of film music but also as a standard march.

In soccer, it’s used by clubs such as Urawa Red Diamonds and Omiya Ardija, as well as teams overseas, for their supporters’ chants.

Since the film’s story centers on a POW escape plan, it shares themes with sports, like fighting spirit and teamwork.

Despite its relaxed tempo, the piece conveys a sense of heading into battle, delivering both strength and exhilaration.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

None shall sleep (Nessun Dorma)Luciano Pavarotti

Luciano Pavarotti sings “Nessun dorma” from Turandot (The Three Tenors in Concert 1994)

Masterpieces of opera have adorned the world’s great sporting events, moving hearts across the globe.

Luciano Pavarotti’s performances, featured on albums like “The Essential Pavarotti” and “Pavarotti’s Greatest Hits,” proclaim a steadfast resolve toward love and triumph, carried by powerful and beautiful melodies.

In the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, his recording was adopted as the BBC’s theme and reached No.

2 on the UK Singles Chart.

That July in Rome, as one of the Three Tenors alongside Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, he helped open a new horizon for classical music.

It’s a piece that offers courage and hope—not only when watching a match, but whenever you stand before one of life’s great challenges.

Let’s Get Together NowVoices of Korea/Japan (Rena Pāku hoka)

Let’s Get Together Now (Japan Version)

This is the official local song etched into the precious history of the 2002 Japan–Korea co-hosted FIFA World Cup.

Performed by leading R&B artists from Japan and South Korea, the work was released in three versions—Japanese, Korean, and a mixed version—each carrying messages from the participating artists, resulting in a richly varied piece.

Many may still remember the breathtaking performance at the World Cup opening ceremony on May 31, 2002.

The warm melody, born from the fusion of Japanese and Korean cultures, remains a symbol of friendship and cooperation, gently embracing the hearts of sports fans to this day.

Chaos reaches its peakUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Chaos Reaches Its Peak” BLUELOCK Animation MV

It’s a fast-paced, cool rock tune.

Released in October 2022 as UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s 18th single, it was chosen as the opening theme for the first cour of the TV anime Blue Lock.

A dynamic track where guitar, drums, bass, and synth sounds intertwine, it perfectly matches the anime’s story about rebuilding Japan’s national soccer team.

The lyrics, centered on self-affirmation and the pursuit of talent, strongly stoke the drive to charge toward your ideals.

It’s sure to resonate when you want to boost your motivation or push toward your dreams.

SeptenovaGosuperāzu

The Gospellers 'Septenova' Music Video

A majestic sports anthem that symbolizes seven radiant hopes.

A collaborative work by The Gospellers and Shintaro Tokita of Sukima Switch.

Released as a single in November 2008, it superbly blends beautiful harmonies with a vibrant, life-affirming band sound.

Chosen as the official theme song for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008, it reached No.

10 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With motifs of the cosmos and stars, it powerfully conveys the importance of believing in your own potential and continually pushing your limits.

It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone about to take a new step forward.

Don’t look back, you are beautiful.Za Bāzu

Don’t look back, you are beautiful.

This is a cheering song that has been loved at the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament since 1976.

Lyricist Yu Aku and composer Takashi Miki teamed up to create it, and it is sung by The Birds, a group composed of members from the Nippon TV Music Academy.

While many sports anthems celebrate the winners, this work portrays the losers as something beautiful.

Since being adopted as the official song for the 55th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, it has become an indispensable part of winter high school soccer.

Bullseye!! My hunch was spot on!!Takehara Pisutoru

Pistol Takehara “A Perfect Bullseye!! A Premonition Hit the Mark!!” Lyric Video (Credit Saison Collaboration ver.)

It’s a rousing anthem that powerfully supports Japan’s national soccer team.

The song, by Pistol Takehara, was released in October 2024.

It was written specifically as the theme song for a commercial by Credit Saison supporting the national team.

The driving band sound and forceful vocal lines leave a strong impression, resulting in an energetic track that stirs the listener’s heart.

The lyrics overflow with positive messages that hint at victory on the pitch, conveying a firm belief in the team’s success.

Give it a listen before watching a match, and it’s sure to get you fired up!