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 are Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland of Heart of Midlothian, alongside Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise of Motherwell. The award is decided by a vote of the players competing in the top division, making the selections a clear reflection of peer respect across the league.
Hearts currently sit three points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, while Rangers trail by a further point after a recent defeat to Motherwell, known as the Steelmen, on Sunday. The absence of Old Firm players on the shortlist underscores a shift in the competitive balance of the league, highlighting the impact of emerging talents and the importance of contributions from clubs outside the usual duopoly. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become the club’s leading scorer. In 34 league appearances to date, he has found the back of the net 14 times and added five assists, demonstrating both finishing ability and a willingness to create opportunities for teammates.
His consistency and work rate have been vital in maintaining Hearts' title challenge. Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the 2024 Player of the Year winner, has also enjoyed a productive campaign despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
Since returning to action, he has contributed 13 goals in 25 league matches, proving his importance as a focal point in the team’s attack and reinforcing his reputation as one of Scotland’s most prolific strikers. Elijah Just, a dynamic winger from New Zealand who joined Motherwell earlier in his career, has been a revelation for the Fir Park side.
Over 31 Premiership games he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, helping Motherwell climb to fourth place in the table. His pace, dribbling skill and ability to deliver quality crosses have made him a constant threat on the flanks and a key ingredient in Motherwell’s offensive play.
Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for Motherwell in 2024, is currently the league’s top scorer with 17 goals from 31 appearances. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has dramatically improved his output, having scored only five times in the previous season. His physical presence, intelligent movement and clinical finishing have turned him into a genuine goal‑scoring menace.
The shortlist also features several noteworthy players from other clubs. Barney Stewart, a 22‑year‑old forward who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline, has already tallied eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, having previously netted six for the Pars in the Championship. His rapid rise from university football to the top flight exemplifies the depth of talent emerging in Scottish football. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, the sole nominee from outside the Premiership, has impressed with 11 goals and two assists, driving his part‑time Championship side into the promotion play‑offs.
His performances illustrate that quality can be found at every level of the Scottish game. Defender Luke Graham of Dundee has been a model of consistency, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league fixtures and providing a solid defensive foundation throughout the season. His leadership at the back has been crucial in Dundee’s campaign. On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers winger Mikey Moore, only 18 years old, has emerged as one of Danny Röhl’s key players.
After a slow start, Moore has contributed six goals and two assists, playing a significant role in Rangers’ push for the title alongside Hearts and Celtic. In the women’s game, Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova have been nominated for the PFA Scotland SWPL Player of the Year award, joining Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson on the shortlist. Rangers also have two nominees for the Young Player award, while Laura Berry and May Cruft represent the Young Player shortlist 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 approaches its dramatic climax, fans are invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. The shortlist includes Marko Lazitic (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), Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti (Rangers). Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote for the most spectacular finish.
Beyond the awards, the Scottish football community continues to engage fans with interactive experiences, such as the Super 6 competition offering a £250,000 prize pool. Participants can enter for free, adding an extra layer of excitement to the season’s narrative. Overall, the current nominations reflect a broader distribution of talent across Scottish football, with standout performances from both established stars and emerging prospects.
The lack of Celtic and Rangers players on the Player of the Year list highlights the growing competitiveness of the league and suggests that the battle for honours is becoming increasingly open, promising an exciting finish to the campaign.