Western pop/rock cheer songs recommended for sports days and athletic festivals. Cheer songs from around the world.

Mr. BrightsideThe Killers

The Killers – Mr. Brightside (Official Music Video)

A masterpiece from The Killers, a band that represents the American rock scene, expressing a bittersweet love with a powerful sound.

Born from the bustle of Las Vegas, this track portrays the feelings of a man tormented by jealousy, vividly depicting the universal theme that “jealousy drives people mad.” Released in September 2003 and included on the album Hot Fuss, it gained worldwide popularity.

In 2006, it was nominated for a Grammy Award, cementing its acclaim.

Blending a driving guitar riff with emotional vocals that convey inner turmoil, the song has become indispensable in sports settings as well.

It’s an exhilarating track perfect for training, running, or getting pumped up before a game.

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

Bon Jovi is a rock band that captivates not only hard rock fans but music listeners of all kinds.

Their 2000 release “It’s My Life” is the perfect song to fire up a sports day or school festival.

It’s widely known in Japan as well, with athletes using it as their walk-on music and more.

The pop-leaning melody set against a powerful band sound really hits home.

It’s a rock track I’d recommend even to students who don’t usually listen to Western music.

Put it on when you want to raise the voltage at your sports or cultural festival.

We Will Rock YouQueen

Queen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

This is the 13th single by Queen, the British rock band whose members each have global smash hits and who continue to influence countless musicians today.

Released as a double A-side with “We Are the Champions,” the song is also known in Japan as a soccer cheer anthem.

The arrangement features a beat of stomping and handclaps—designed to invite audience participation—that instantly lifts the energy as soon as the track begins.

Its simplicity makes it all the more powerful, a rock tune that gives you a push on the back and is perfect as a cheer song for school sports days and athletic festivals.

BelieverImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons – Believer (Official Music Video)

Imagine Dragons are an alternative rock band known for their grand, open, and expansive sound.

Their 2017 release “Believer” is a perfect fit for the opening ceremony of a school sports festival.

Exotic synths ring out over dynamic rock, while the hip-hop-influenced, technical flow and the chorus harmonies are standout features.

With its genre-blending appeal, this track is ideal for school events that bring many people together.

Give this groovy number a listen—it will lift the energy across the entire venue.

STAR WALKIN’Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X – STAR WALKIN’ (League of Legends Worlds Anthem)

Lil Nas X’s track captivates with its powerful message and dynamic beats.

This particular song emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself, making it a track that gives you courage when you feel close to giving up.

Released digitally in September 2022, it gained attention as the anthem for the League of Legends World Championship.

It’s a motivational song dedicated to everyone taking on challenges, and just reading the lyrics will fire you up.

Be sure to check it out.

Hot In HerreNelly

Nelly – Hot In Herre (Official Music Video)

It’s a party anthem bursting with hot club energy, expertly blending rap and R&B.

Released in May 2002 by American hip-hop artist Nelly, the track is defined by its funky beat and catchy melody, spending seven consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Billboard charts.

Produced by the duo The Neptunes, it drew attention for its innovative arrangement that samples a classic by Chuck Brown.

In 2003, it won the Grammy Award for Best Male Rap Solo Performance, and has since been featured in the film Madagascar 3 and the TV series Glee.

Perfect for school sports days, dance performances, and cheerleading routines, it’s guaranteed to unite the entire venue in excitement.

HOPENF

NF – HOPE

With its passionate beats and heartfelt lyrics, NF’s music is a perfect fit for sports days and school athletic festivals.

NF, a rapper and singer-songwriter from the United States, is known for channeling deep emotions drawn from his own experiences into his songs.

In this particular track, you can feel a strong determination to confront his past self and take a new step forward.

He argues that true success lies not in fame or wealth, but in staying faithful to one’s convictions.

This work can be seen as an antithesis to the flex-driven mainstream of modern hip-hop.

Packed with punchy, motivational lines, it’s definitely worth a listen.