Brazil football ace Neymar waved into Britain without passport by 'starstruck' officials

SUPERSTAR striker Neymar was waved into Britain by "starstruck" immigration officials – despite forgetting his passport.

PAPERWORK: Neymar handed over documents but did not have his passport

The Brazil captain flew into Luton Airport without his passport.

But border guards waved him through – and into the airport’s VIP lounge – after the £8.2million-a-year Barcelona forward said he “had an important meeting”.

It turned out he was in Britain for an event promoting jeans at upmarket London store Selfridges.

SNAPPY: The superstar is believed to have taken this photo on the tarmac at Luton airport

Neymar showed staff his Spanish residency card and other forms of ID – but his passport was back home.

An onlooker told the Sun: "I think the staff at the airport were quite starstruck at seeing him.

"It isn't every day they come across one of the best footballers in the world.

"If it was a non-celebrity who people didn't know they wouldn't even have managed to leave Spain – let alone be let in here once they're at Luton."

GLITZY: Neymar was later seen at a star-studded product launch in London

Neymar was later seen smiling alongside rapper Professor Green and model Daisy Lowe at the glamorous event at Selfridges.

A Home Office spokesman said the department was unable to comment on individuals.

He added: “In exceptional circumstances and when all checks have taken place, including to verify their identity, a non-EU national can be allowed in the UK without a passport.”

MATCH READY: The Barcelona striker is believed to have left shortly after the trip for training

Meanwhile a spokesman for the Brazilian striker said: "Immigration verified the legality of his ID and let him go 15 minutes later."

Neymar has regularly visited England in recent months – leading many to believe the international megastar could make a move to the Premier League.

But it is thought the striker left as quickly as he arrived on Tuesday – reportedly hurrying back to training before Barcelona clash with Sevilla on Sunday.