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, all of whom have been voted in by their fellow top‑flight professionals.
Hearts sit atop the Scottish Premiership table, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after their recent defeat to Motherwell on Sunday. The absence of any Old Firm players on the shortlist highlights the growing competitiveness of the league and the impact of a few standout individuals from clubs outside the traditional duopoly. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese striker who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become the club’s leading marksman.
In 34 league appearances he has found the net 14 times and added five assists, making him a vital component of the Jambo’s attacking play. His consistent goal‑scoring record and work rate have earned him a place on the shortlist and have helped Hearts maintain their position at the summit of the table.
Lawrence Shankland, the Hearts captain who was also the winner of the 2024 Player of the Year award, has continued to thrive despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. Since returning to action he has contributed 13 goals in 25 league matches, demonstrating both resilience and leadership.
Shankland’s ability to combine physical presence with intelligent movement makes him a constant threat to opposition defences and a key reason why Hearts remain title contenders. Elijah Just, the New Zealand winger who joined Motherwell earlier in his career, has been a revelation this campaign. Over 31 Premiership games he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell’s climb to fourth place.
His pace, dribbling skill and willingness to track back have added a new dimension to the Fir Park side’s play, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed by the voting players. Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for Motherwell in 2024, has emerged as the league’s top scorer with 17 goals in 31 matches. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has transformed his game, improving his positioning and finishing to dramatically increase his goal tally from just five the previous season. His prolific output has been instrumental in Motherwell’s strong league performance and has secured him a spot among the nominees.
The shortlist also includes several younger and lower‑division players, underscoring the depth of talent across Scottish football. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, aged 19, is the only nominee from outside the Premiership. He has already scored 11 goals and provided two assists, helping his part‑time Championship side reach the promotion play‑offs. 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.
Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, just 18 years old, is the youngest nominee. After a slow start following his move 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, joining Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson. Rangers also have two players on the Young Player shortlist, while Laura Berry and May Cruft represent the emerging talent pool 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. The shortlist features a diverse array of scorers, including 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.
View all twelve goals and cast your vote to decide which strike will be remembered as the season’s best. Beyond the individual accolades, the broader narrative of this campaign is one of increasing parity and the rise of new stars across Scottish football.
The lack of Old Firm nominees for the top award signals a shift in the competitive landscape, while the inclusion of young talents from lower leagues reflects the growing depth of the Scottish talent pool. As the season draws to a close, the battle for the title, the race for individual honours, and the excitement surrounding the upcoming play‑offs promise to keep supporters engaged until the very last whistle.