Rare decay π⁰ → e⁺ e^- as a test of standard model

Experimental and theoretical progress concerning the rare decay π⁰ → e⁺ e^- is briefly reviewed. It includes the latest data from KTeV and a new model-independent estimate of the decay branching which show the deviation between experiment and theory at the level of 3.3σ. The predictions for η and η′ decays into lepton pair are presented. We also comment on the impact on the pion rare decay estimate of the data of BABAR collaboration on the pion transition form factor at large momentum transfer.