Songs that go well with sports
Do you find that many people listen to music while playing sports or right before they start, to boost their focus and motivation?
Some of you might also want to dedicate a song as a cheer anthem for athletes.
But it can be hard to decide which songs actually help improve concentration and motivation—or give you the courage to throw yourself into your sport, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce songs that are perfect for sports!
We’ve picked recommended tracks mainly from those that have been used as theme songs for the Olympics and world championships, so please use this as a reference.
- [To All Athletes] A Collection of Sports Anthems and Empowering Theme Songs
- Recommended music for marathons: uplifting songs that give you the courage to power through
- Entrance Songs for Athletes | A Comprehensive Introduction to Athletes’ Game-Day 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
- [Hype Songs] A must-listen for athletes and sports lovers! A curated selection of tracks that boost motivation
- [2026] Entrance Music for Sports: Cool Western Songs and Entrance BGMs
- Encouraging songs: timeless masterpieces that resonate with the heart, recommended popular tracks
- Songs that are perfect for a walk: a roundup of tracks ideal for listening while you stroll
- Recommended cheer-up songs for high school students: tracks that will motivate you to do your best on entrance exams and club activities when you listen to them.
- [Today's Cheer Song] To everyone giving it your all! A gem of an inspiring anthem that resonates with the heart
- Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks That Overflow with Power
- [Basketball Cheer Songs] A curated selection of tournament theme songs and energizing anthems!
Songs that go well with sports (1–10)
Horse and deerYonezu Kenshi
Motivation and drive are things that well up gradually, aren’t they? Kenshi Yonezu’s “Uma to Shika” is a song that lets you feel that rising exhilaration bit by bit.
The track was used as the theme song for the drama “No Side Game.” With this passion-infused song, blow away your nerves and anxiety, and keep moving forward.
paprikaFoorin
This song, recognized as the official cheer song for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, is “Paprika” by Foorin.
Released in 2018, its popularity grew as the Olympics approached.
Learn the choreography and let’s get excited with this song in 2020!
A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki
Sports are often cool because of the way people throw themselves headlong toward victory, aren’t they? This song is Masaki Suda’s debut as a solo artist.
Many of you have probably heard it in a commercial as well.
It’s a track that urges you to charge toward the goal, even if it means getting a little gritty.
Its rock-driven sense of speed is sure to lift your spirits.
Songs that go well with sports (11–20)
One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
A song I recommend for someone like you who’s giving their all in baseball is “Ato Hitotsu” by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS.
Major leaguer Masahiro Tanaka even appears in the music video.
It’s been used as the theme song for numerous baseball programs, and some pro baseball players have chosen it as their walk-up music.
It’s truly a perfect fit for baseball!
Don’t give upZARD
When it comes to songs that go well with marathons, ZARD’s “Makenaide” is a classic! They even use this song to cheer on runners during the 24-Hour TV charity program.
If you listen to it while running, it’ll surely help you push through long distances.
It’s also great to listen to before a run to boost your motivation!
HeroAmuro Namie
The singer Namie Amuro, who sadly announced her retirement in 2019.
This is her song “Hero,” released in 2016.
The track was used as a support song for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
It’s a piece that lets you feel the strength and resilience of her, who was like a beautiful goddess.
BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi
The exhilarating melody and powerful drum patterns brilliantly capture the sensation of sprinting forward.
Crafted by Kenshi Yonezu, this piece portrays the courage and passion of taking on figure skating through the metaphor of a bow and arrow.
It vividly depicts both the challenger striving to surpass themselves and the bonds with those who support them, achieving a fine balance between the allure of sports and human drama.
Released in January 2025, it was selected as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist.” Yonezu, a fan of the original work, personally requested to create the anime’s theme song—a background that is reflected in the work’s high level of polish.
From brisk exit scenes to dynamic performances at school sports days, the song’s tone complements the powerful movements of children and stands out as one of its key charms.