For the first time since the 2012‑13 campaign, the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist contains no representatives from either Celtic or Rangers. The four nominees this season are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, alongside Motherwell’s rising star Elijah Just and the prolific striker Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the players who compete in Scotland’s top division, making it a true peer‑recognition honour. Hearts sit at the summit of the Premiership table, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing loss to Motherwell on Sunday.
The absence of Old Firm players on the shortlist underscores the growing competitiveness of the league and highlights the impact of the younger, often overlooked, talents who have stepped up over the course of the season. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become the club’s leading marksman. In 34 league appearances he has found the net 14 times and added five assists, a contribution that has been vital to Hearts’ title charge.
Braga’s blend of physical presence, intelligent movement and clinical finishing has drawn praise from teammates and opposition alike, and his consistency has placed him firmly in the conversation for the Player of the Year award. Captain Lawrence Shankland, who captured the same accolade in 2024, has also enjoyed a strong campaign despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Returning to action, Shankland has scored 13 goals in 25 league outings, demonstrating his resilience and leadership on the pitch. His ability to hold up the ball, link play and convert chances in the final third has been instrumental in keeping Hearts at the top of the table. Elijah Just, the New Zealand winger who joined Motherwell last summer, has been a revelation on the left flank.
Over the course of 31 Premiership matches he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, a double‑digit involvement that has helped Motherwell climb to fourth place at the time of writing. Just’s pace, directness and willingness to track back defensively have made him a fan favourite and a key component of Motherwell’s attacking strategy under manager Jens Berthel Askou. Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for Motherwell in 2024, is currently the league’s leading scorer with 17 goals in 31 games.
After a modest return of five goals in the previous season, Maswanhise has flourished under Askou’s guidance, displaying a keen eye for goal, strong hold‑up play and an ability to find space in tight areas. His goal‑scoring exploits have not only propelled Motherwell into the upper reaches of the table but have also attracted attention from clubs across Europe. Among the younger nominees, Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall stands out as the sole representative from outside the top flight. The 19‑year‑old has tallied 11 goals and two assists in the Scottish Championship, playing a pivotal role in his part‑time side’s push for a place in the promotion play‑offs.
His performances have demonstrated that talent can thrive at any level of Scottish football. Defender Luke Graham has been a rock for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league fixtures and providing a steady defensive presence. His aerial ability, composure on the ball and leadership at the back have earned him recognition from his peers and a spot on the shortlist. On loan from Rangers, 18‑year‑old winger Mikey Moore has emerged as one of Danny Röhl’s most influential players.
After a slow start following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has contributed six goals and two assists, helping the team challenge both Hearts and Celtic for the title. In the women’s game, Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova have been nominated for the PFA Scotland SWPL Player of the Year award, joining Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson. The SWPL shortlist also features young talents such as Laura Berry, May Cruft, Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest. Hearts currently lead the SWPL, two points ahead of Glasgow City, with Rangers a further two points back in third place.
As the 2025/26 season approaches its dramatic climax, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season. The shortlist includes striking efforts from Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetic, Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Hyun‑Jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti, Dundee’s Ethan Hamilton, Dundee United’s Zac Sapsford, Falkirk’s Kyrell Wilson, Hearts’ Alex Kyziridis, Kilmarnock’s Ben Brannan, and Rangers’ Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
View the twelve nominated goals and cast your vote to decide which moment will be remembered as the season’s most spectacular finish. Beyond the on‑field action, supporters can also take part in the Super 6 competition for a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool, with free entry available for those who wish to try their luck.
The continued growth of fan engagement initiatives reflects the Scottish game’s commitment to delivering excitement both on and off the pitch.