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[2026] Motivation Boost! A Collection of Classic Western Songs to Listen to Before a Match

In sports and martial arts, boosting your motivation before a match is more important than anything else.

Especially in intense competitions, you need to have your adrenaline pumping even before the match begins.

This time, we’ve picked out a selection of classic Western songs you’ll want to listen to before a match to raise your voltage!

From the latest tracks to timeless classics—even some super obscure ones—we’re introducing a wide range of songs that can help boost your motivation.

Even if you’re well-versed in Western music, be sure to check it out!

[2026] Motivation Boost! A Collection of Classic Western Songs to Hear Before a Match (41–50)

One By OneCentral Cee

Central Cee – One By One | A COLORS SHOW
One By OneCentral Cee
Japanese-to-English translation

Emerging from the streets of London and now attracting global attention, rapper Central Cee has released “One By One,” a single he dropped in October 2024.

The title means “step by step” in Japanese, and the track matter-of-factly portrays the accumulated effort required to achieve success and the accompanying sense of solitude.

Released in the lead-up to his album “Can’t Rush Greatness,” this work emphasizes the power of words over flashy production.

Even when you feel overwhelmed by uncertainty about the future, it reminds you of the importance of tackling the task in front of you one at a time.

Students steadily preparing for entrance exams should definitely give it a listen.

UnderdogRoddy Ricch

Roddy Ricch – Underdog (From F1® The Movie) [Official Visualizer]
UnderdogRoddy Ricch
[Translation] Roddy Ricch – Underdog

A powerful track about facing adversity, performed by Roddy Ricch—an accomplished, Grammy-winning rapper from Compton, California.

Included on the album F1 THE ALBUM, released in June 2025, this song was created as part of a project tied to the film F1® The Movie.

It likens racing to life, delivering a passionate message about fighting under intense pressure.

The strength to defy skepticism and low expectations from others, believe in yourself, and sprint to the finish is exactly what many of you need as exams approach.

Listen to the beat that captures the tension of a split-second showdown, and your anxiety is sure to turn into determination.

Can’t Be Touched feat. Mr. Magic & TroubleRoy Jones Jr

Roy Jones Jr., a boxer who once ranked number one pound-for-pound thanks to his exceptional athletic ability, is known as a heavyweight boxer alongside Mike Tyson.

He’s also active as a rapper, and his track “Can’t Be Touched feat.

Mr.

Magic & Trouble” became a hit in the English-speaking world as one of his signature works.

Since it’s a song made by an athlete, it’s perfect for this theme of “Western music to listen to before a match,” delivering a track that lets you unleash your adrenaline.

Chariots of FireVangelis

Mr. Bean Live Performance at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Chariots of FireVangelis

The theme from the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.

Composed by the Greek maestro Vangelis, this piece is something almost everyone has heard at least once, often in television highlight reels.

Written specifically for the film about young men striving for the 1924 Paris Olympics, its majestic synthesizer melody is deeply moving.

Many will also remember Rowan Atkinson’s parody performance at the London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony in July, which brought the house down.

Its pulsing rhythm and beautiful tune are perfect for boosting concentration or listening to before a crucial moment.

It’s an eternal anthem that’s indispensable to the festival of sport.

MétèqueJoeyStarr

JoeyStarr – Métèque (Clip officiel)
MétèqueJoeyStarr

In the French hip-hop scene, rapper JoeyStarr commands immense support.

He’s a veteran who has been active since the 1980s and also works as an actor.

His classic track Métèque is known for a distinctive flow that only French can deliver, paired with a hardcore vibe that screams “this is gangsta rap.” It’s a very minor track in Japan, so even hip-hop enthusiasts should definitely give it a listen!

Shape of YouEd Sheeran

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You (Official Music Video)
Shape of YouEd Sheeran

This is Ed Sheeran’s song “Shape of You.” Perhaps because its quietly burning, determined vibe suits high-stakes moments, it’s often used as walk-up music by baseball players like Hideoto Asamura of the Seibu Lions and Akira Nakamura of the SoftBank Hawks.

In the lyrics, he repeatedly says he’s fallen for your body, so “Shape of You” could be taken to mean your body.

Looking at the lyrics, there’s something that stirs a man’s fighting spirit, which explains why it’s chosen as entrance music.

Beat ItMichael Jackson

Michael Jackson – Beat It (Official 4K Video)
Beat ItMichael Jackson

The best rock track among Michael’s many songs.

Just hearing the guitar solo gives me energy and makes me feel like I’ve suddenly become cooler (lol).

Michael also knew a lot about basketball, and it’s nostalgic to remember that he later had a dream collaboration with Michael Jordan.