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 all from clubs outside the traditional Old Firm powerhouses, highlighting a shift in the balance of talent across the Scottish top flight.
Hearts have two players in the running: Portuguese forward Claudio Braga and Scottish striker Lawrence Shankland. They are joined by Motherwell’s dynamic New Zealand winger Elijah Just and the club’s prolific striker Tawanda Maswanhise, who currently leads the league’s scoring charts.
The award is decided by a vote of fellow professionals playing in the Premiership, giving each nominee the respect of his peers. Hearts sit at the summit of the table, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a recent defeat to Motherwell on Sunday. This narrow margin underscores how competitive the title race has become, with the Jambos benefitting from the contributions of both Braga and Shankland.
Claudio Braga arrived at Hearts in the summer transfer window and has quickly become the team’s leading marksman. In 34 league appearances he has found the net 14 times and added five assists, demonstrating a well‑rounded attacking game that blends goal‑scoring instinct with creative playmaking.
His consistency has been a key factor in Hearts’ strong start to the campaign and has earned him a place on the shortlist. Lawrence Shankland, the reigning champion of the award after his 2024 triumph, has also enjoyed a productive season despite missing a spell through injury.
He has contributed 13 goals in 25 league outings, showing his ability to maintain a high strike‑rate even when returning from setbacks. Shankland’s experience and leadership as captain have been vital for Hearts as they chase the league title.
Elijah Just, a relatively new arrival at Motherwell, has been described as a revelation by both fans and pundits. The 23‑year‑old New Zealander has recorded seven goals and eight assists in his 31 Premiership matches, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell’s climb to fourth place in the current standings. His pace, dribbling skill and eye for a pass have added a fresh dimension to the Fir Park side’s attacking options.
Tawanda Maswanhise, who joined Motherwell in 2024, is the league’s top scorer at the moment, having netted 17 goals in 31 games. The 23‑year‑old’s resurgence under new manager Jens Berthel Askou has been dramatic; he scored only five times in the previous season, but his confidence and finishing have surged this year, making him a prime candidate for the Player of the Year accolade. Other notable nominees include Barney Stewart, who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline. The 22‑year‑old, who was playing university football just two seasons ago, has already tallied eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, having previously scored six for the Pars in the Championship.
His rapid rise illustrates the depth of emerging talent in Scottish football. From the Championship, Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee outside the top tier. At 19, he has already scored 11 goals and supplied two assists, helping his part‑time side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs. His inclusion shows that exceptional performances are recognised regardless of league level.
Defender Luke Graham has been a stalwart for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league fixtures and providing a reliable presence at the back. His consistency has been a cornerstone of Dundee’s defensive structure throughout the season. Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, only 18 years old, is the youngest nominee on the list.
After a quiet start following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key figure for Danny Röhl, 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, alongside Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson.
The SWPL also features a Young Player shortlist with Rangers’ Laura Berry and May Cruft, as well as 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 the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. The shortlist includes striking moments from across the league, such as 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 votes online. Beyond the on‑field action, the PFA Scotland awards continue to celebrate the breadth of talent in Scottish football, from established stars to emerging youngsters, and from the men’s Premiership to the women’s SWPL.
The absence of Old Firm players on the Player of the Year shortlist this year underscores a more evenly distributed pool of excellence, promising an exciting and unpredictable finish to the season. For those interested in following the competition, live Scottish Premiership tables, streaming options without contracts, and free highlight reels are available online.
Additionally, a Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000, with free entry for participants.