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 fit sports (41–50)
OrangeSPYAIR
A heart-thumping number where the bittersweetness of youth coexists with optimism.
The lyrics, which look back on past memories while singing of hope for the future, are particularly striking.
Released in February 2024, this track was used as the theme song for the film Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle and became a major talking point.
It marks SPYAIR’s fourth collaboration with the Haikyu!! series.
Fresh and energetic, the song is perfect to listen to before an important game or competition.
It will surely give a gentle push to your back as you believe in yourself and move forward.
Songs that suit sports (51–60)
earnest desireSUPER BEAVER
SUPER BEAVER’s deeply moving masterpiece that sings about the importance of human connections is included on their album “Ongaku,” released in February 2024.
The song gently conveys how an individual’s happiness is built with the support of many people and the warmth created by a chain of smiles.
The album “Ongaku” also features several tie-in tracks, including the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers 2 and the anthem for the 103rd National High School Rugby Tournament.
It’s the perfect song for cheering on those practicing for sports days and field days, or for reminiscing about the memories of working up a sweat with your friends.
Live in the present.Saucy Dog
Powerfully singing of youthful passion and hope, this Saucy Dog track was created as a cheer anthem for the 101st All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Portraying growth through overcoming setbacks and hardship, bonds with teammates, and the courage to move forward while staying true to oneself, the song deeply resonates with young people navigating high school life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Released in December 2022, it has become an indispensable fan favorite at their live shows, giving a strong push not only to soccer players but also to students working hard every day for their clubs and school events.
THE BALLERSSixTONES
This is the official B.League theme song, delivering an exhilarating rhythm and a powerful message.
Sung with cool confidence by the members of SixTONES, the track vividly captures the momentum of a basketball game and the dynamic energy of players sprinting across the court.
It conveys the importance of always moving forward and the determination to never give up, even in tough situations, all carried by a sporty sound.
Released as a track on the album “GOLD” in January 2025, with the music video dropping at the same time, this song is perfect as BGM to boost morale during games and to elevate motivation for daily practice and club activities.
PLAYERSYOASOBI
YOASOBI released a memorable track in March 2025, marked by energetic chants and a catchy sound.
Born from a project celebrating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, this ambitious attempt to portray gamers’ memories through music delivers a positive message centered on challenge and growth.
The story warmly depicts how protagonists encountered in game worlds encourage us in real life and expand our hopes for the future, and the song was also featured in a special PlayStation 30th anniversary commercial.
With a star-studded lineup including Nanase Nishino, Usada Pekora, and Kiyo, the work showcases the appeal of gaming.
It’s a perfect song to boost motivation during sports day practice or athletic festival training.
ultramarineYOASOBI
A signature work by YOASOBI that vividly expresses young people’s passion and pursuit of dreams through striking lyrics.
Released in September 2020, the song gained broad recognition after being featured in Bourbon’s “Alfort Mini Chocolate” commercial.
In 2021, it was also selected as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Dance ONE Project ’21,” adding flair to high school students’ dance performances.
Evoking the image of blue light, the piece impressively portrays the challenges of self-expression and creativity, making it perfect for school sports-day entrance marches and dance performances.
It’s a song that lets everyone share in the unique sense of unity of a sports festival and the courage to take the first step toward their dreams.
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O_DLtVuiqhI/sddefault.jpg)
A powerful track by [Alexandros] that rides a driving, exhilarating rock sound with a message of courage and challenge in pursuit of your dreams.
It vividly expresses the determination to push forward on the path you believe in, as well as the desire to connect with people’s hearts through music.
Released in March 2015, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “Akegarasu” and the ending theme for the TV program “Sakigake! Ongaku Banzuke ~EIGHT~,” and surpassed 100 million views on YouTube in August 2019.
It’s recommended not only when you need courage to move toward your dreams, but also as a boost to your motivation during workouts or strength training.