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 four nominees this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, alongside Motherwell’s Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise, each of whom has impressed enough to earn the respect of their peers across the top division.
Hearts sit in a commanding position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, currently three points ahead of Celtic and with Rangers a further point behind after their recent defeat to Motherwell. The Jambo side have been buoyed by the prolific form of Braga, the Portuguese striker who arrived at Tynecastle during the summer transfer window and has quickly become the club’s leading marksman. Braga has featured in every one of Hearts’ 34 league fixtures to date, tallying 14 goals and adding five assists, a contribution that has been instrumental in keeping the club on course for the title.
Lawrence Shankland, the club captain, is a familiar face on the shortlist, having secured the award in 2024. Despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury, Shankland has bounced back strongly, finding the net 13 times in 25 league appearances. His leadership and goal‑scoring instincts remain vital to Hearts’ title charge. Motherwell’s nominees bring a different flavour to the race.
New Zealand winger Elijah Just has been a revelation since his arrival at Fir Park, registering seven goals and providing eight assists across 31 Premiership matches. His creativity and work rate have helped Motherwell climb to fourth place in the table, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by fellow professionals.
The most prolific scorer in the league at this stage is 23‑year‑old striker Tawanda Maswanhise, who joined Motherwell in 2024. Maswanhise has already netted 17 goals in 31 games, a dramatic improvement on the five goals he managed last season. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, the young forward has flourished, establishing himself as a genuine goal‑scoring threat and a strong candidate for the Player of the Year honour. Other notable mentions on the shortlist include Barney Stewart, a 22‑year‑old who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline.
Stewart, who was playing university football just two years ago, has already scored eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, having previously found the net six times for the Pars in the Championship. From outside the top flight, Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee representing the lower division. At 19, Marshall has contributed 11 goals and two assists, playing a pivotal role in his part‑time side’s push for a place in the promotion play‑offs.
Defender Luke Graham has enjoyed a standout season with Dundee, anchoring the back line in 33 of the club’s 34 league games and earning praise for his consistency and defensive acumen. Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, the youngest nominee at just 18, has also made his mark.
After a gradual start following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key figure in Danny Röhl’s plans, delivering six goals and two assists as Rangers battle Hearts and Celtic for the championship. 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 features a young‑player shortlist that includes Rangers’ Laura Berry and May Cruft, alongside Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest. Hearts currently lead the SWPL, two points clear 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 features a diverse group of talent: 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 strike. Beyond the awards, the Scottish football calendar continues to offer excitement, with live streaming options for the Premiership, free highlight reels, and even a chance to win a £250,000 prize in the Super 6 competition. The absence of Old Firm players from the Player of the Year shortlist underscores the growing competitiveness of the league, highlighting the emergence of new stars and the depth of talent across both the men’s and women’s divisions.