Piers Morgan reveals the one sportsman he ranks higher than Cristiano Ronaldo - and claims Man Utd & Real Madrid icon 'would understand'

British television host and media personality Morgan has interviewed Portuguese superstar Ronaldo on a couple of occasions. It was one of those chats that led to CR7 seeing his contract ripped up by Manchester United in November 2022 - freeing him to eventually head to the Middle East with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

Ronaldo is still going strong at 40 years of age, with a new two-year contract being committed to, and remains as determined as ever to land major trophies - with another World Cup on his radar in 2026. Morgan has talked up Ronaldo’s claims to GOAT status on a regular basis down the years, in a long-running debate that involves Argentine icon Lionel Messi, but admits to holding a close friend who tragically passed away in 2022 in even higher regard.

Morgan told Betfair when asked to pick his favourite between Warne and Ronaldo: “Well, if it’s for a night out - Warney! In terms of sporting greatness, Warney, to me, is the greatest cricketer that’s ever lived and the reason I say that is, I just felt that he was a master bowler, but also, the mental dominance he used to have over people.. the mental strength, resilience, character and fun.. the whole package with Warney.

“I could choose a batsman or an all-rounder of course, but if I could have someone to win a game for my life, and that’s why the parallel is quite interesting, if I could choose a footballer to score a goal on a wet Wednesday in Stoke to save my life, I’d choose Cristiano Ronaldo. And if it was to win a cricket match on any surface, it’d be Shane Warne. If I have to choose one over the other, I’m going with Shane Warne. I love Ronaldo, but he would understand!”

Morgan continues to keep a close eye on how Ronaldo is faring with Al-Nassr, but his footballing loyalties lie with Arsenal. The Gunners have risen to the top of the Premier League table in 2025-26 while also looking to build on last season’s run to the Champions League semi-finals.

Morgan is eager to see Mikel Arteta’s side prevail in domestic and continental competition, but claims that he would happily give up tangible success in north London if it meant guaranteeing England an Ashes tour victory Down Under this winter.

He said when asked to choose between downing the Aussies in their own backyard or seeing Arsenal lift the English top-flight title: “Do you know what, somebody once said, would you rather score the winning goal for Arsenal in a Champions League final or score 100 runs at Lords against Australia in the Ashes? And I went with the cricket.

“Cricket was my real first love. I don’t really watch anything but red ball cricket. To me, Test Cricket isn’t just the best form of the game, but for me is really the only one that I get emotionally engaged in. The series against India [earlier this year] was fantastic. I think back to 2005 and the emotional rollercoaster of emotions, quality of play and all of that.

“I’d actually go with the Ashes win [over Arsenal winning the Premier League]. I’d love to see us, this winter, win the Ashes. If [Mark] Wood and [Jofra] Archer stay fit, I think we’ve got a great chance. When we win the Ashes in Australia, is there a better thing in sport? I don’t think so.”

Ronaldo is unlikely to pay any attention to the Ashes, with there enough on his sporting plate to contend with at present. He continues to guide Portugal towards the 2026 World Cup while also chasing down his ultimate target of reaching 1,000 career goals.