What are the greatest sports songs of all time on the radio? 

Sports and music are a perfect match. Their combination makes up an explosive experience for the fans and players – whether on a matchday or when playing a game. 

However, while there have been many releases of sports songs across various decades, a few options bring something unique and inspiring to the table. Some are a confidence boost for the fans, while others create a communal feeling. Whatever the case, here are the crème de la crème among sports songs in no particular order. 

1. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira

One of the highlights of the 2010 World Cup was the tournament being held in Africa for the first time. According to Cryptocasinos.com, not many sports bettors banked on the global football competition going to South Africa’s bid across various bookmakers. However, the Federation of International Football (FIFA) thought it was time for an African-hosted World Cup tournament. 

Many considered the tournament a success. Besides the spotlight on South Africa, the host country, another remarkable experience was the theme song by Colombian music superstar Shakira. The theme song, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” was not only upbeat but also infectious. It reechoed that Africa was in the spotlight, and it became stuck in the psyches of both the young and old. 

Whether you were driving to the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg or the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, listening to Waka Waka was an additional form of motivation ahead of a game. Even decades after being released, people across the world enjoy the song, which has now become evergreen. Some remember the unforgettable moments it accompanied, while others continue to celebrate the greatness that the song really is. 

No wonder it is Shakira’s most-streamed song ever, with over 900 million streams across major streams on music platforms and more than 4 billion views on YouTube. 

2. Wavin’ Flag – K’naan

Another song that dominated the airstreams during the 2010 World Cup was “Wavin’ Flag” by K’Naan. For a song that wasn’t the official video for the tournament, Wavin’ Flag was a classic! The singer, K’naan, dropped the song, which he tagged “The Celebration Mix” based on his ad partnership with Coca-Cola. However, the promotional anthem became a big hit. 

That’s partly because of its bildungsroman or coming-of-age theme that everyone, regardless of their age at the time, could relate to. It has an inspiring vibe that invokes a feeling of possibility regardless of challenges. It echoes the sound of the massive potential within us despite difficult times and challenges. It offers hope despite the odds and showcases the unity within African societies.

More importantly, the song created awareness about the 2010 Haiti earthquake and was a major driver for fundraising and organizing relief materials for the victims. It’s no surprise that “Waving’ Flag” enjoyed global success. There have been different covers of the song in various languages across the world and over 200 million streams. 

3. We Will Rock You – Queen

If you played Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) in the early 2000s or Madden NFL 11, 12, 13, 25, and 15 between 2010 and 2014, you’d be familiar with the rock classic “We Will Rock You” by Queen. The song’s stomp-and-clap beat is unlike any other, creating an energetic feeling you need to defeat your opponent when playing these video games. However, the existence of the song in the 21st century says a lot about its longevity. 

The rock sports anthem was produced in 1977 by a team of rock musicians called Queen. It was also the theme song of the 1994 World Cup, showing its relevance across different generations. It was a source of motivation for players, and fans could also relate to the song’s lyrics. 

Moreover, its encouraging vibe boosts active participation, whether it’s on video games or when a match is ongoing in the stadium. 

4. Who Let the Dogs Out – Baha Men 

This is a global song from the Bahamas Junkanoo band called Baha Men. The classic tune was released in 2000 but has become an anthem for many. Though the track wasn’t naturally created for sports people, its catchy beats and popularity brought it into the sports scene and many sports teams have now added it to their playlists. 

However, while “Who Let the Dogs Out” isn’t a conventional sports song like “We Will Rock You,” it was once a hit at the MLB World Series. It has now become one of the biggest sports anthems in the US, UK, and other parts of the world. Many listeners resonate with the song’s catchy hook, pulsing sound, and upbeat sound. 

5. On Top of the World – Imagine Dragons

Though this particular song wasn’t used during the World Cup or any other official sports tournament, Imagine Dragon’s “On Top of the World” is one of the greatest FIFA tracks of all time. It is also voted the best music when playing in World Cup mode. 

“On Top of the World” was produced by the American rock band in 2012, but it was licensed to be a soundtrack for FIFA games in 2013. It features an upbeat vibe that showcases the joy of having a breakthrough after years of striving. 

The song has over 1 billion streams. It also topped the chart in Portugal and reached the Top Ten in Australia, Austria, The Netherlands and other countries during its peak period. If you’re looking for some kind of inspiration or energy to get through a matchday, you can rely on this global anthem for gym bodies, athletes, footballers, and everyone looking to lift their souls. 

Final Thoughts 

Music and sports have a union that triggers various emotions among sports lovers, players, and the world at large. From creating communal experiences to establishing deep connections and boosting fan engagement, the intersection cannot be underestimated. 

Moreover, music can be a build-up and create a burst of energy for players and their fans on game days. It can also be a celebratory ritual within the stadium when the game is over. The top sports songs have been highlighted in this article, and you should listen to them if you haven’t.