[2025] Boost Your Motivation! A Collection of Classic Western Songs to Listen to Before a Match

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)Shakira

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.

Viva La VidaColdplay

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

It’s a masterpiece distinguished by its grand melody and powerful orchestration.

While deftly portraying the inner turmoil of a protagonist who falls from a noble king to ruin, it depicts the transience of power and the ups and downs of life.

The lyrics, sprinkled with mysterious religious motifs, convey deep insight and a universal message.

Released by Coldplay in 2008, the song appears on the album “Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends” and reached number one on both the U.

S.

and U.

K.

charts.

It won Song of the Year at the 2009 Grammy Awards and was also featured in an Apple iPod commercial.

It’s the perfect track when you want a boost of courage—during your morning commute, on your way to school, or before taking on a new challenge.

All StarSmash Mouth

Smash Mouth – All Star

This is Smash Mouth’s signature song, loved as an anthem for young people thanks to its exhilarating power-pop sound and message-driven lyrics.

In contrast to the upbeat music, the lyrics carry deeper meanings that hint at global warming and social issues, allowing each listener to find their own interpretation.

Released in May 1999 by the San Jose, California–based band, the ambitious track reached No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It was featured in the promotional video for the film Mystery Men and used as the opening song for the animated movie Shrek, continuing to influence pop culture for many years.

Its positive message and dynamic melody make it an ideal BGM for dance performances at school sports days and athletic festivals.

Pump ItThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – Pump It (Official Music Video)

This masterwork by the Black Eyed Peas captivates with the powerful fusion of electropop and surf rock.

Released in 2005 by the American group and featured on their album Monkey Business, the track later appeared in the hit films Little Man and Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties.

Combining a sound that samples a Dick Dale song with a message to turn it up louder, it reached No.

18 on the U.

S.

Billboard charts.

Its intensity and groove make it perfect for energizing the crowd as background music during school sports days and athletic competitions.

It also works as dance music, and its energetic, uplifting vibe makes it an ideal anthem for sports events.

One Eyed BastardGreen Day

Green Day – One Eyed Bastard

A fierce punk rock number that kicks off with a heavy guitar riff reminiscent of Black Sabbath has arrived from America’s Green Day.

Featured on the album Saviors, this track shines a light on life’s darker side and revels in the thrill of revenge.

Rapid-fire drum beats and a groovy bass line create a tense, immersive atmosphere.

Released in January 2024, Saviors reunites the band with producer Rob Cavallo, who helped propel them to success on Dookie and American Idiot.

Packed with memorable “ayy-oh!” calls and addictive phrases, it’s guaranteed to ignite live crowds.

It’s also a perfect song to boost motivation during training or workouts.

Dance the NightDua Lipa

Dua Lipa – Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) [Official Music Video]

Dua Lipa is a British-Albanian singer-songwriter.

From the 2023 film Barbie’s soundtrack, Barbie the Album, she released the lead single, which blends pop and disco elements.

The song centers on themes of light and diamonds, the joy of dancing the night away, and self-expression.

While portraying a balance between outward sparkle and inner conflict, it emphasizes the importance of facing difficulties and emotional challenges with strength and confidence.

It’s a perfect track for pumping yourself up before sports or combat matches, or any time you want to feel empowered.

It can be seen as an anthem that boosts motivation, reminding us of the importance of self-acceptance and positive self-expression.

Iron ManBlack Sabbath

Black Sabbath – Iron Man (1970)

This is a signature song by Black Sabbath, the band fronted by Ozzy Osbourne.

In Japan, the pro-wrestling tag team the Road Warriors used it as their entrance theme.

It was also featured in the film Iron Man.

Despite its slow tempo, Ozzy’s eerie vocals give it a hint of the occult, making it a song that really gets you fired up.