For the first time since the 2013 season, the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist contains no representatives from either Celtic or Rangers, the two clubs that traditionally dominate the awards. Instead, the four nominees this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, alongside Motherwell’s emerging talents Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise.
The award is decided by a vote of all players competing in the Scottish top flight, making the nomination list a true reflection of peer recognition across the league. Hearts sit comfortably at the summit of the Premiership table, currently three points clear of Celtic.
Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing loss to Motherwell on Sunday, which has effectively removed the Old Firm from the running for the individual accolade. The Jambos’ strong position in the league has helped to shine a spotlight on their attacking options, particularly Braga, who arrived at Tynecastle in the summer and has quickly become the team’s leading scorer. The Portuguese striker has found the net 14 times and added five assists, featuring in every one of Hearts’ 34 league fixtures to date.
His consistency, work rate and knack for scoring crucial goals have made him a favourite among his teammates and opponents alike. Lawrence Shankland, the club captain, is another key figure in the Hearts attack. Shankland, who captured the Player of the Year award in 2024, has overcome a spell on the sidelines due to injury to finish the season with 13 goals in 25 league appearances. His leadership on and off the pitch, combined with his ability to produce moments of individual brilliance, have cemented his status as one of the most respected players in the division.
Motherwell’s nominees bring a different flavour to the shortlist. New Zealand winger Elijah Just has been a revelation since his arrival at Fir Park. In 31 Premiership matches he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell’s climb to fourth place. His pace, dribbling skill and eye for a pass have added a new dimension to the Motherwell side, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the wider football community.
Perhaps the most striking story of the season belongs to 23‑year‑old striker Tawanda Maswanhise. After joining Motherwell in 2024, Maswanhise has surged to the top of the league’s scoring charts, netting 17 goals in 31 games. The young forward has flourished under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, improving dramatically from the five goals he scored in the previous campaign.
His clinical finishing, intelligent movement and composure in front of goal have made him a constant threat to opposition defences and a strong contender for the Player of the Year prize. The shortlist also includes a few notable names from outside the Premiership. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, only 19, is the sole nominee from the Championship.
He has already recorded 11 goals and two assists, helping his part‑time side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs. Defender Luke Graham has been a rock for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches and providing a steady presence at the back.
Rangers, despite not having any nominees for the senior award, do feature on the Young Player shortlist. On loan from Tottenham, 18‑year‑old winger Mikey Moore has turned a slow start into a breakthrough season, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers push the title race to the very end. 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.
The SWPL also sees two Rangers youngsters, Laura Berry and May Cruft, on the Young Player list 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 climax, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season so far. The shortlist of twelve spectacular strikes includes Marko Lazetic (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 (Rangers) and Youssef Chermiti (Rangers).
Supporters can view the videos and cast their votes online. Beyond the individual awards, the season continues to deliver excitement on and off the pitch, with promotions, relegation battles and a race for European qualification all adding to the drama. The absence of Old Firm players from the Player of the Year shortlist underscores the growing competitiveness of Scottish football, where talent from across the league can now claim the spotlight.
The final vote, set to be announced later this month, will determine which of these outstanding performers will lift the coveted PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year trophy.