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] Inspirational Sports Anthems & 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 (11–20)
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.
one’s true feelingssumika
A powerful ballad by sumika, written as the official cheer song for the 99th All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
It vividly portrays young people who, even in moments when they feel like giving up, link arms with their teammates and push forward.
Released in January 2021 as one of the tracks on a double A-side single, it is also included on the album “AMUSIC.” Starting in April of the same year, it was featured as the TV commercial song for Aisin Corporation.
This is a song that gently supports not only children devoted to club activities and sports, but everyone striving toward their goals.
PRIDENovelbright
This is a heartfelt, emotional rock track packed with passion.
Released by Novelbright in November 2022 and featured as the ending theme for the anime Yowamushi Pedal LIMIT BREAK, the song stands out with its energetic sound and vocals that soar beautifully into the higher register.
It conveys a strong resolve to believe in yourself and keep moving forward.
For athletes who train daily toward their dreams, it’s a song that gives the courage to overcome setbacks and hardships and keep progressing.