Western Songs Ranking That Hype Up Sports Days and Athletic Festivals [2025]

We Will Rock YouQueen8rank/position

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

With its powerful handclaps and stomping rhythm, this staple track energizes sports festivals and dance events.

Released in October 1977 by the British rock band Queen from the album “News of the World,” the song celebrates the determination to overcome setbacks and hardships in pursuit of victory.

As a rousing anthem symbolizing unity and fighting spirit, it continues to be embraced across sports scenes worldwide.

The foot stomps and handclaps recorded by the band members themselves create a sense of togetherness that draws in the audience, and in 2002 it was also adopted as the title song for the musical “We Will Rock You.” It’s the perfect choice for those who want to bring an entire venue together during school sports days or dance performances.

BelieverImagine Dragons9rank/position

Imagine Dragons – Believer (Official Music Video)

Imagine Dragons is a rock band with a modern, stylish vibe.

Their song “Believer” is an upbeat track that blends the best of rock and dance music.

Its danceable beat can seriously boost the energy, making it perfect for a school sports festival.

It might be ideal for gradually building excitement before competitions.

It seems versatile for various scenes, so be sure to check it out.

Yeah 3xChris Brown10rank/position

Chris Brown – Yeah 3x

Characterized by its beeping, electronic rhythm, “Yeah 3x” is a single released in 2010 by American singer Chris Brown.

The steady, driving beat makes it perfect for dancing.

The lyrics are upbeat and designed to get everyone hyped, so it’s a track that would shine at parties.

Given its consistent rhythm and the fact that it’s fun for everyone to move to, its bright, catchy tempo makes it a great fit for activities where rhythm is key—how about trying it for long rope jumping?

Despacito ft. Daddy YankeeLuis Fonsi11rank/position

Luis Fonsi – Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee

Luis Fonsi’s classic “Despacito ft.

Daddy Yankee,” with an unforgettable intro that begins with a rich, soulful flamenco guitar tone.

The song was released in 2017.

Around the same time, the music video was uploaded to YouTube, and in just eight months it surpassed approximately 3.

8 billion views.

It became explosively popular.

The addition of hip-hop elements to a reggae foundation gives it an especially catchy, danceable groove!

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira12rank/position

Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) (The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup™ Song)

Unfolding with dynamic energy, this pop number overflows with African spirit atop a powerful, groovy rhythm.

The celebratory sound woven by Colombia’s Shakira and South African band Freshlyground is sure to be the ultimate BGM to fire up any sports day.

Released in May 2010, the track gained worldwide popularity as the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, selling over 15 million copies globally.

It topped the charts in 15 countries and has amassed over 4 billion views on YouTube.

Blending a feverish, danceable beat with the spirit of football, this song is a perfect match for sporting events—powerfully propelling athletes toward victory and uniting the entire venue in a shared sense of excitement.

APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars13rank/position

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT. (Official Music Video)

This track stands out with a pop-rock sound full of wave-riding rhythm and powerful energy.

It’s a collaboration between Rosé, the main vocalist of Korea’s BLACKPINK, and 15-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars.

Released in October 2024, it topped the charts in more than 25 countries worldwide.

Inspired by a drinking game popular among young people, it deftly weaves together the exhilaration of a party and the sweetness of romance.

The wistful vocals and edgy guitar work blend seamlessly, resulting in a polished, sophisticated song.

It’s perfect for boosting team motivation at school sports festivals or anytime you want to hype up the crowd with powerful chants.

STAYThe Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber14rank/position

The Kid LAROI, Justin Bieber – STAY (Official Video)

Released in 2021, “Stay” became a worldwide hit.

It’s a track by Australian rapper The Kid Laroi featuring Justin Bieber.

With its clear, airy sound and steady beat, the arrangement has a driving feel.

The call-and-response section that corresponds to the pre-chorus is a part that even those who can’t sing in English can join in on.

It’s perfect for sports days where people of all ages gather.

A video of Chocolate Planet’s Matsuo dancing to this song also went viral.

Because of that, even people who don’t usually listen to Western music have likely heard this song at least once.