Pre-game songs: What professional soccer players are listening to
Have you ever wondered what professional soccer players are listening to before a game as they get ready to play at the highest level? 9 athletes have shared their go-to songs…
Music has the power to inspire and motivate. It plays a particularly special role in soccer, getting athletes ready to perform at the highest level. Every player tends to have a song that strikes a chord with them.
What better way to get yourself in a game-ready mentality than by listening to your favorite pre-game song? I asked both male and female professional soccer players from clubs and national teams around the world for their favorite pre-game song and the reason it’s made the rise to the top of their game day playlist. These are their responses.
Ali Riley: “Disparate Youth” – Santigold
Ali Riley is the captain of the New Zealand National Team and currently plays for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL. Why she’s a fan of this song? “I can listen to “Disparate Youth” by Santigold on repeat for games. It’s gotten me through some tough interval workouts too. I love the beat and the way she sings these powerful words in such an emotionless way.”
Jeremy Ebobisse: “Inception” – Logic
Jeremy Ebobisse plays for the Portland Timbers in the MLS. In January 2019 he earned his first cap with the USMNT against Panama. Why this song has always been a go-to? “It’s been a song I’ve been listening to pregame since middle school as it’s a good combination between beat and lyrics.”
Adam Jahn: “Money and the Power” – Kid Ink
Adam Jahn is a forward for Atlanta United in the MLS. Why this song has made his playlist? “It’s not a new song or anything, but my fiancé played it for me a few weeks ago and that’s been my go-to as of late. I love the beat and it’s about being confident and bold!”
Macario Hing-Glover: “Corpo Sensual” – Kevinho e Tyga
Macario Hing-Glover is a right-back for HIFK in the Veikkausliiga, Finland’s top league. Why this song is his current favorite? “I listen to it pre-game because it’s upbeat and gets me pumped up.”
Berglind Björg Þorvaldsdóttir: “Ég lifi í voninni” – Stjórnin” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” – Whitney Houston
Berglind Björg Þorvaldsdóttir is a forward for the Icelandic National Team and AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A. Why she loves these two songs? “It makes me feel good and it gets me pumped up before games.”
Markus Fjørtoft: “Bad Boys” – Stormzy ft. J Hus & Ghetts
Markus Fjørtoft is a defender for Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership. Why this song? “This song goes hard. Stormzy and J Hus are two of my favorite artists and on top of this beat, it puts me in the aggressive, on-the-front foot type of mood I need to be in before games.”
Imani Dorsey: “Nice For What” – Drake
Imani Dorsey plays for Sky Blue FC in the NWSL and was named NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2018. She’s also earned call-ups to both the youth and senior USWNTs. Why this song always seems to be on her playlist? “I really just love the beat and how it’s just celebrating a confident woman just having fun and embracing her inner badass. It always loosens me up and gets me pumped.”
Ciaran McKenna: “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC
Ciaran McKenna is a defender for Hamilton Academical in the Scottish Premiership. Why he chose this song? “When my dad coached my local team when I was around 8 years old, he had the AC/DC album and we would play it every Saturday on the way to our game. He would blast it through the speakers and try his best to get me pumped for the game. It’s always stuck with me and it always does the job.”
Sashana “Pete” Campbell: “Baller” – Teejay
Sashana “Pete” Campbell plays for the Jamaican Women’s National Team as well as for Maccabi Kishronot Hadera in the Israeli soccer first division. Why this song is her favorite? “I love the lyrics and the beat of it. It gets me a bit hyped up and relaxed at the same time. Just to go in the game with a fresh and relaxed mindset.”
Thank you to these athletes for giving us a glimpse into the music that helps them dominate on the field.
