For the first time since the 2013 season, the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist 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 Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise, each of whom has enjoyed a standout campaign and earned the respect of their fellow top‑flight players, who will ultimately decide the award. Hearts sit atop the Scottish Premiership table, holding a three‑point lead over Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing loss to Motherwell on Sunday. The Jambos’ position at the summit has been bolstered by the contributions of the two nominated strikers.
Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts in the summer, has quickly become the club’s leading marksman. He has featured in every one of the 34 league fixtures to date, scoring 14 goals and adding five assists. His consistency and work rate have made him a vital cog in a side that has shown both resilience and attacking flair. Braga’s ability to find space, link up with midfield, and finish clinically has drawn praise from teammates and opposition alike.
Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the 2024 award holder, has also been a key figure despite missing a period of the season through injury. When fit, he has contributed 13 goals in 25 league appearances, demonstrating his knack for scoring crucial goals and leading by example on the pitch. His experience and leadership have helped maintain Hearts’ momentum during a tightly contested title race.
Motherwell’s Elijah Just, a dynamic winger from New Zealand, has been a revelation since his arrival at Fir Park. In 31 Premiership matches he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell’s climb to fourth place. His pace, dribbling ability, and eye for a pass have added a new dimension to the Motherwell attack, often stretching defenses and creating space for teammates.
The most prolific scorer in the league at the time of nomination is 23‑year‑old Tawanda Maswanhise. The striker joined Motherwell in 2024 and has since found the net 17 times in 31 games, making him the current top‑goal‑getter.
Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has dramatically improved his output, having scored only five goals the previous season. His physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing have turned Motherwell into a more potent offensive unit. Other notable mentions in the broader PFA Scotland awards include Barney Stewart, who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline. The 22‑year‑old, who was playing university football just two years ago, has already netted eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, after previously scoring six for the Pars in the Championship.
His rapid rise underscores the depth of emerging talent across Scottish football. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the top flight.
The 19‑year‑old has contributed 11 goals and two assists, helping his part‑time Championship side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs. His performances illustrate that quality can be found at every level of the Scottish game.
Defender Luke Graham has enjoyed a standout season with Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches and providing a reliable presence at the back. His consistency has been instrumental in keeping Dundee competitive throughout the campaign. 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 player for Danny Röhl’s side, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers press hard on 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, joining Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson.
Rangers also have two young‑player nominees, Laura Berry and May Cruft, while Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest round out the shortlist. Hearts currently lead the SWPL, two points ahead of Glasgow City, with Rangers a further two points behind in third place. As the 2025/26 season approaches its dramatic climax, fans are invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. The shortlist includes 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 contenders and cast their vote for the most spectacular strike. Beyond the on‑field action, the PFA Scotland awards continue to celebrate the breadth of talent across the nation’s football landscape, from seasoned internationals to teenage prodigies, and from the Premiership to the lower divisions. The absence of Old Firm players this year highlights a shifting competitive balance and underscores the growing influence of clubs like Hearts and Motherwell in shaping the future of Scottish football.
Fans can also take part in the Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Entry is free, providing an additional incentive for supporters to stay engaged with the league as the season draws to a close.