For the first time since the 2012‑13 season, the shortlist for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year contains no representatives from the traditional powerhouses Celtic or Rangers. The absence of any Old Firm players marks a notable shift in the balance of power within the Scottish top flight and highlights the emergence of talent from other clubs. The four contenders this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, Motherwell’s dynamic winger Elijah Just, and the prolific striker Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the league’s players, meaning that those who share the pitch with the nominees will ultimately decide who lifts the trophy.
Hearts currently sit three points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Premiership, while Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing loss to the Steelmen on Sunday. The Jambo side’s strong position in the table has been bolstered by the contributions of both Braga and Shankland, who have been instrumental in maintaining the club’s title challenge. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become the club’s leading marksman. He has found the back of the net 14 times and added five assists, playing in all 34 league fixtures to date.
His consistent presence and goal‑scoring prowess have been vital for a Hearts side that is determined to break the Old Firm’s long‑standing dominance. Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and last year’s winner of the same award, has also enjoyed a strong campaign despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. In the 25 league appearances he has made this season, Shankland has contributed 13 goals, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable strikers in Scottish football. Motherwell’s Elijah Just, a New Zealand‑born winger, has been a revelation since his arrival at Fir Park.
In 31 Premiership matches he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, playing a key role in Motherwell’s ascent to fourth place in the league. His pace, crossing ability and work rate have made him a constant threat on the flank and an important creative outlet for the team. 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 dramatically improved his output, having scored just five times in the previous season. His physical presence, finishing skill and knack for finding space in the box have turned him into a focal point of Motherwell’s attack. 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 netted eight Premiership goals for the Bairns after a successful stint in the Championship with the Pars. From outside the top division, 19‑year‑old Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall has earned a nomination as the sole non‑Premiership representative. Marshall has contributed 11 goals and two assists, helping his part‑time Championship side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs.
Defender Luke Graham has enjoyed a standout season with Dundee, featuring in 33 of the club’s 34 league matches and providing a solid defensive foundation throughout the campaign. Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, only 18 years old, is the youngest nominee on the list. After a slow start following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key player for Danny Röhl, adding six goals and two assists as Rangers continue to press the title race.
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 players on the Young Player shortlist – Laura Berry and May Cruft – while Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest round out the nominees. Hearts currently lead the SWPL, two points ahead of Glasgow City, with Rangers a further two points behind in third place.
The competition remains fierce across both the men’s and women’s leagues as the 2025/26 season approaches its climax. Fans are also being invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season. The shortlist includes spectacular strikes 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. Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote online.
Beyond the on‑field action, the PFA is also promoting its Super 6 competition, offering participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Entry to the competition is free, encouraging fans to engage further with Scottish football.
Overall, the absence of Celtic and Rangers players from the Player of the Year shortlist underscores a season of increasing parity in Scottish football. With Hearts, Motherwell and a host of emerging talents making strong statements, the race for the top individual honour promises to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent memory.