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 a mix of prolific scorers and emerging talents from Hearts, Motherwell and the broader Scottish game. Hearts forward Claudio Braga and fellow Jambo striker Lawrence Shankland are pitted against Motherwell’s dynamic forward Elijah Just and the club’s teenage goal‑machine Tawanda Maswanhise.
The award is decided by a vote of all players competing in the top tier, giving each nominee a chance to be recognised by their peers. At present, Hearts sit three points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Premiership, while Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing loss to Motherwell on Sunday. The absence of Old Firm names on the shortlist underscores how the balance of power has shifted this campaign, with Hearts and Motherwell delivering the most consistent performances.
Claudio Braga arrived at Hearts in the summer and has quickly become the club’s leading marksman. The Portuguese international has found the net 14 times and added five assists, appearing in every one of the Jambo’s 34 league fixtures to date.
His contribution has been vital in maintaining Hearts’ lead, and his work rate, movement off the ball and clinical finishing have earned him widespread praise. Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the 2024 Player of the Year, has also enjoyed a strong season despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury.
In 25 league appearances he has scored 13 goals, demonstrating his ability to lead by example and deliver when the team needs a breakthrough. Shankland’s experience and physical presence make him a constant threat in the opposition box. Motherwell’s New Zealand winger Elijah Just has been a revelation since his arrival.
Over the course of 31 Premiership matches he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, helping the Steelmen climb to fourth place in the table. His pace, dribbling skill and eye for a pass have added a new dimension to Motherwell’s attack, and his performances have drawn attention from clubs across the UK. The most surprising name on the shortlist is 23‑year‑old Tawanda Maswanhise. The striker joined Motherwell in 2024 and, under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, has transformed from a modest five‑goal scorer last season into the league’s leading marksman with 17 goals in 31 games.
Maswanhise’s quick acceleration, sharp finishing and ability to find space in tight areas have made him a focal point of Motherwell’s offensive play. Other notable mentions in the broader PFA Scotland awards 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 years ago, has already recorded eight Premiership goals for the Bairns after previously scoring six for the Pars in the Championship. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the top flight.
The 19‑year‑old has tallied 11 goals and supplied two assists, playing a key role in the part‑time Championship side’s push for a place in the promotion play‑offs. Defender Luke Graham has enjoyed a standout season for Dundee, anchoring the back line and starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches.
His consistency and defensive awareness have been instrumental in keeping Dundee competitive. Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, only 18, is the youngest nominee on the list. After a slow start following his move from Tottenham, he has become a regular contributor for Danny Röhl’s side, adding six goals and two assists as Rangers battle 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, 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 Lisa Forrest (Glasgow City). 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.
Candidates include 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 the twelve shortlisted goals and cast your vote.
Finally, a reminder that the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000 – entry is free and open to all fans. The absence of Celtic and Rangers on the Player of the Year shortlist highlights the growing competitiveness of Scottish football, with Hearts and Motherwell leading the charge and a new generation of talent stepping into the spotlight.