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. The four nominees this year are all from clubs outside the Old Firm, highlighting a shift in the balance of talent across the Scottish top flight. Hearts forward Claudio Braga and striker Lawrence Shankland join Motherwell’s dynamic winger Elijah Just and prolific forward Tawanda Maswanhise in the race for the coveted award.
The winner will be decided by a vote of fellow professionals who compete in the Premiership, giving the shortlist a strong endorsement from those who know the league best. The Jambos (Hearts) sit three points clear at the summit of the table, having maintained a narrow lead over Celtic. Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing loss to Motherwell on Sunday, leaving the title race wide open as the season draws to its climax. Claudio Braga has been a revelation since his summer arrival at title‑contending Hearts.
The Portuguese attacker has quickly become the club’s leading marksman, tallying 14 goals and contributing five assists across all 34 league fixtures to date. His consistency and work rate have made him a vital component of Hearts’ attacking framework, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the PFA voting panel.
Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the 2024 Player of the Year, has continued to excel despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. In 25 league appearances this campaign, he has found the net 13 times, demonstrating both resilience and a keen eye for goal. Shankland’s leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in keeping Hearts at the top of the standings.
New Zealand winger Elijah Just has emerged as one of Motherwell’s most exciting signings. Since joining the Fir Park side, he has recorded seven goals and eight assists in 31 Premiership matches, helping the Steelmen climb to fourth place. His pace, creativity, and ability to stretch defences have added a new dimension to Motherwell’s play, making him a strong contender for the award.
Tawanda Maswanhise, another Motherwell forward, has been the league’s leading scorer this season with 17 goals in 31 games. The 23‑year‑old’s dramatic improvement under new manager Jens Berthel Askou – after only five goals in the previous campaign – underscores his rapid development and growing confidence. Maswanhise’s finishing prowess and knack for delivering in crucial moments have placed him firmly in the spotlight.
Beyond the main four nominees, several other players have earned recognition for their standout seasons. Falkirk’s young striker Barney Stewart broke through after a loan spell at Dunfermline, scoring eight Premiership goals for the Bairns after netting six in the Championship. His rapid rise from university football to top‑flight success exemplifies the depth of emerging talent in Scottish football.
Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the Premiership. At just 19, he has already recorded 11 goals and two assists, playing a pivotal role in the part‑time side’s push for a promotion play‑off berth in the Championship. Defender Luke Graham has been a mainstay in Dundee’s back line, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches and providing a reliable defensive presence throughout the season.
Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, the youngest nominee at 18, has turned a slow start into a breakthrough campaign. After moving from Tottenham Hotspur, he has become a key figure for Danny Röhl, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers vie 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, alongside Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson.
The SWPL also features a Young Player shortlist with Laura Berry and May Cruft (Rangers), 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 reaches its dramatic finale, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season. The shortlist includes Marko Lazitic (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), and Rangers duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
Voters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote online. In addition to the footballing action, there is a promotional Super 6 competition offering a £250,000 prize pool, with free entry for participants.
This adds an extra layer of excitement for supporters following the league’s final weeks. Overall, the absence of Old Firm players on the Player of the Year shortlist underscores a broader trend of competitive parity in Scottish football. With Hearts, Motherwell, and several emerging talents making strong cases for individual honours, the league appears more open and unpredictable than ever before. The upcoming votes will not only determine the season’s best player but also reflect the shifting landscape of Scottish football, where excellence can emerge from any club, regardless of historic stature.