Braga, Just, Shankland and Maswanhise Lead Scottish Player‑of‑the‑Year Nominations as No Old Firm Names Appear

For the first time since the 2013 awards, the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist contains no representatives from Celtic or Rangers. Instead, the four nominees are all from clubs outside the traditional Old Firm powerhouses, highlighting a shift in the balance of talent across the Scottish top flight. Hearts’ attacking duo – Portuguese striker Claudio Braga and Scottish forward Lawrence Shankland – are joined by Motherwell’s dynamic winger Elijah Just and the prolific forward Tawanda Maswanhise.

The award is decided by a vote of the league’s players, meaning the nominees must have impressed their peers throughout the campaign. 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 Jambos’ strong position has been underpinned by Braga’s arrival in the summer, which has proved a masterstroke for the club’s ambitions.

The 27‑year‑old Portuguese international has become Hearts’ leading marksman, tallying 14 goals and contributing five assists in all 34 league fixtures to date. His consistency – playing every minute of the season – has made him an obvious candidate for the individual accolade.

Shankland, the incumbent champion who lifted the award in 2024, has also enjoyed a standout season despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. In 25 league appearances he has found the net 13 times, demonstrating his ability to regain form quickly and to lead the line with authority. His experience and goal‑scoring pedigree add weight to his nomination. Motherwell’s Elijah Just, a New Zealand‑born winger, has been a revelation since his summer move to the Fir Park club.

In 31 Premiership matches he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell’s climb to fourth place in the standings. His pace, crossing ability and work rate have made him a favourite among teammates and opponents alike, earning him a well‑deserved spot on the shortlist.

The youngest of the four nominees, 23‑year‑old Tawanda Maswanhise, has taken the league by storm. Since joining Motherwell in 2024, the striker has surged ahead to become the competition’s top scorer, with 17 goals in 31 games. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has dramatically improved his output – a sharp rise from just five goals in the previous season – and his clinical finishing has turned Motherwell into a genuine title contender. Other notable mentions from the wider nomination list include Falkirk’s breakout talent Barney Stewart, who after a loan spell at Dunfermline returned to make an immediate impact.

The 22‑year‑old, who was playing university football only two years ago, has already added eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, following six goals for the Pars in the Championship. From the Championship, Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee outside the top tier. At 19, he has already scored 11 goals and supplied two assists, helping his part‑time side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs. Defender Luke Graham has been a stalwart for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league games and providing a reliable presence at the back throughout the season.

Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, only 18, is the youngest nominee overall. After a slow start following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key figure for Danny Röhl’s side, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers battle Hearts and Celtic for the title.

In the women’s game, Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova have been shortlisted for the PFA Scotland SWPL Player of the Year award, alongside Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson. Rangers also have two youngsters – Laura Berry and May Cruft – on the Young Player shortlist, joined by 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 climax, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season. The shortlist features a diverse array of scorers, including Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetic, Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Hyun‑Jun Yang, 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 for the most memorable strike.

Meanwhile, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win a £250,000 prize, with free entry available for those who wish to test their luck. Overall, the absence of Old Firm players from the Player of the Year shortlist underscores a broader trend of talent distribution across the Scottish leagues.

Hearts and Motherwell have produced the standout performers of the campaign, and their nominees reflect the growing competitiveness of clubs beyond Celtic and Rangers. The final vote, to be decided by the players themselves, will reveal whether this new era of Scottish football will be cemented with a historic first‑time winner from outside the traditional powerhouses.