The playmaker is making a late surge to lift the crown after a quite stunning start to the season. The former Brescia playmaker was the best player on the pitch during the recent Euro 2008 qualifier with France and was again on top form last night as Milan beat Benfica 2-1 at San Siro.

The 28-year-old scored a trademark free-kick and set-up the second goal for Filippo Inzaghi as the Rossoneri began the defence of their Champions League title.

“Winning the Balon d’Or? I have dreamt about this since a young child,” revealed Pirlo. “It is the dream of every young boy who wants to be a footballer to win this trophy.”

Despite Pirlo’s magnificent form, his Rossoneri team-mate Kaka is still the red-hot favourite to pick up the award and Pirlo acknowledges that he is not alone in challenging for second place behind the Brazilian.

“I am not the only runner in the race to finish second behind Kaka,” concluded the maestro.

Goal.com