The NYCFC midfielder believes his former team-mate would be a worthy winner of the award if he leads Juventus to glory
Andrea Pirlo believes Gianluigi Buffon deserves to win the Ballon d'Or if Juventus overcome Real Madrid in the Champions League final.
Buffon is aiming to win Europe's top club competition for the first time, as Juve prepare for Saturday's decider in Cardiff.
The star goalkeeper has enjoyed an illustrious career that has included eight Serie A titles and multiple other cups, but only two runner-up finishes in the Champions League.
His former club and Italy team-mate, Pirlo, said Buffon would be a worthy Ballon d'Or winner if Juve were successful at the Principality Stadium.