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 from Heart of Midlothian, alongside Motherwell's Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the players competing in Scotland's top division, making the nominations a clear reflection of peer respect across the league.
Hearts are currently perched at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers sit just a point further back after a disappointing loss to Motherwell on Sunday. This tight race at the top has given added significance to the individual accolades being handed out, as fans and players alike look for clues about who might ultimately steer their side to the title. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts in the summer, has quickly become the club's most prolific scorer. In 34 league appearances this season, he has found the back of the net 14 times and contributed five assists, demonstrating a well‑rounded attacking threat.
His consistent presence on the pitch and his knack for delivering in crucial moments have made him a central figure in Hearts' title charge. Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the 2024 winner of the same award, has also enjoyed a standout campaign despite a period out with injury. Since returning to action, he has added 13 goals in 25 league outings, reinforcing his reputation as one of Scotland's premier strikers.
Shankland's leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in maintaining Hearts' momentum throughout a demanding season. Motherwell's Elijah Just, a dynamic winger from New Zealand, has been a revelation since joining the Fir Park side. Over 31 Premiership matches he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell's ascent to fourth place in the current table. His pace, creativity, and ability to stretch defenses have made him a constant threat on the flanks and a key contributor to the club's recent resurgence.
The most surprising name on the shortlist is Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for Motherwell in 2024. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has transformed from a modest five‑goal scorer last season into the league's leading marksman, tallying 17 goals in 31 games.
His improved finishing, intelligent movement, and confidence in front of goal have turned him into a genuine title contender and a fan favourite. Beyond the four main nominees, the shortlist also features a handful of other notable performers. Barney Stewart, a 22‑year‑old forward who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline, has already netted eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, having previously scored six for the Pars in the Championship. His rapid rise from university football to top‑flight success illustrates the depth of talent emerging across Scottish football.
Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, the sole nominee from outside the Premiership, has impressed in the Championship with 11 goals and two assists, helping his part‑time side secure a spot in the promotion play‑offs. His contributions highlight the competitive nature of Scotland's lower leagues and the potential for future Premier League stars.
Defender Luke Graham has been a rock for Dundee, starting 33 of their 34 league games and providing a steady defensive presence that has kept the club competitive throughout the season. His consistency at the back has earned him recognition among his peers. 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, he has become a key player for Danny Röhl, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers push Hearts and Celtic for the title.
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 players, Laura Berry and May Cruft, on 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, underscoring the competitive balance in both the men’s and women’s leagues as the 2025/26 season approaches its climax. As the season draws to a close, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the campaign. The shortlist includes striking efforts from 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 duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti. View the twelve nominated goals and cast your vote to decide which moment will be remembered as the season’s most spectacular.
In addition to the footballing action, supporters can also try their luck in the Super 6 competition, with a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Entry is free, offering an extra layer of excitement for fans following the dramatic finish to the Scottish football calendar.