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. Instead, the four nominees are a mix of prolific forwards and an emerging talent from the league's other clubs: Hearts' Portuguese striker Claudio Braga, fellow Hearts forward Lawrence Shankland, Motherwell's dynamic winger Elijah Just and the club's own goal‑machine Tawanda Maswanhise. Hearts sit atop the Scottish 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 the attacking contributions of Braga and Shankland, both of whom have been instrumental in keeping the title race open.
Claudio Braga arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window and has quickly become the club's leading marksman. The 27‑year‑old Portuguese forward has featured in every one of Hearts' 34 league fixtures to date, scoring 14 goals and adding five assists. His consistency, work rate and ability to find space in the final third have made him a constant threat to opposition defences and a key factor in Hearts' early‑season dominance. Lawrence Shankland, the club captain, is a familiar face in the shortlist, having secured the award in 2024.
Despite missing a spell of the season through injury, the Scottish striker has returned to form, netting 13 times in 25 league appearances. His physical presence, aerial ability and knack for scoring crucial goals have helped Hearts maintain pressure on the Old Firm rivals throughout the campaign.
Motherwell's Elijah Just has been a revelation since his arrival from New Zealand. The winger has contributed seven goals and eight assists in 31 Premiership matches, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell's climb to fourth place. Just's pace, dribbling skill and eye for a pass have added a new dimension to the Fir Park side's attack, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the league's peers.
Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who joined Motherwell in 2024, is currently the league's top scorer with 17 goals in 31 games. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has transformed from a modest five‑goal scorer last season into a prolific forward who consistently finds the back of the net. His movement off the ball, clinical finishing and ability to create chances for teammates have made him a standout player in the Scottish top flight.
Other notable nominees include Barney Stewart, who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline. The 22‑year‑old, who was playing university football only two years ago, has already recorded eight Premiership goals for the Bairns after netting six for the Pars in the Championship. His rapid rise highlights the depth of talent emerging from Scotland's lower divisions. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the Premiership.
At 19, the young midfielder has scored 11 goals and provided two assists, playing a crucial role in the part‑time Championship side's push for a place in the promotion play‑offs. His performances demonstrate that quality can be found at every level of Scottish football.
Defender Luke Graham has enjoyed a standout season with Dundee, anchoring the back line and starting 33 of the club's 34 league matches. His consistency, aerial dominance and leadership at the heart of defence have earned him recognition among his peers. On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers winger Mikey Moore is the youngest nominee at just 18 years old.
After a slow start to his Scottish adventure, Moore has become a key figure in 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, joining Hearts' Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson. Rangers also have two players on the Young Player shortlist, while Laura Berry and May Cruft have been nominated alongside 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 reaches its climax, fans are invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. The shortlist features Marko Lazetić (Aberdeen), Reo Hatate (Celtic), Callum McGregor (Celtic), Hyun‑Jun Yang (Celtic), Sebastian Tounekti (Celtic), Ethan Hamilton (Dundee), Zac Sapsford (Dundee United), Kyrell Wilson (Falkirk), Alex Kyziridis (Hearts), Ben Brannan (Kilmarnock) and Rangers duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti. View the twelve nominated goals and cast your vote to decide which strike will be crowned the season's best.
Outside of football, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000, with free entry available for those who wish to try their luck. Overall, the absence of Old Firm players on the Player of the Year shortlist underscores a shifting landscape in Scottish football, where talent from across the league is emerging and making a significant impact on the title race and beyond.