For the first time since the 2013 season, the shortlist for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year contains no representatives from the traditional powerhouses Celtic or Rangers. Instead, the four nominees this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, alongside Motherwell’s rising star Elijah Just and the prolific striker 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 absence of any Old Firm players on the list highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the league and the impact of a new generation of talent. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts in the summer, has quickly become the club’s leading goal‑scorer.
In 34 league appearances he has found the net 14 times and contributed five assists, a remarkable return that underscores his importance to the Jambos’ title charge. His consistent performances have not only helped Hearts maintain their lead but have also earned him a place among the elite few considered for the Player of the Year accolade. Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the winner of the award in 2024, has also enjoyed a strong campaign despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Since returning to action he has added 13 goals from 25 league games, demonstrating his resilience and leadership on the pitch. Shankland’s ability to influence matches both as a scorer and a motivator makes him a strong contender for the honor once again. Elijah Just, the New Zealand winger who joined Motherwell last season, has been a revelation for the Fir Park side. 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 league standings.
His pace, creativity, and work rate have made him one of the most exciting young talents in Scottish football, and his nomination reflects the impact he has had in a relatively short period. Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for 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 lethal attacking force.
His clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to hold up play have been instrumental in Motherwell’s strong offensive output. The shortlist also includes several noteworthy players from outside the top‑flight.
Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, only 19, has impressed in the Scottish Championship with 11 goals and two assists, helping his part‑time side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs. Dundee defender Luke Graham has been a stalwart at the back, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league fixtures and providing a reliable defensive foundation. Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, the youngest nominee at just 18, has turned a slow start into a breakthrough season.
After moving from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key figure in Danny Röhl’s side, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers press the title race against Hearts and Celtic. 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. The SWPL Young Player shortlist features Rangers’ Laura Berry and May Cruft, with Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest also nominated.
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 dramatic climax, fans are invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season.
The shortlist includes striking moments from across the league: 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 for the most memorable.
Beyond the awards, the season has also seen exciting promotional opportunities, such as the Super 6 competition offering a £250,000 prize pool, which fans can enter for free. These initiatives add an extra layer of engagement for supporters, encouraging them to stay involved as the league’s narrative unfolds.
Overall, the lack of Old Firm nominees this year signals a shift in Scottish football, where talent from across the league is emerging and challenging the traditional hierarchy. Whether it is Braga’s goal‑scoring consistency, Shankland’s leadership, Just’s creative spark, or Maswanhise’s striking prowess, the nominees embody the diversity and quality now present in the Premiership.
The final vote, decided by the players themselves, will determine which of these outstanding performers will lift the coveted Player of the Year trophy and cement their place in Scottish football history.