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 this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, alongside Motherwell’s rising star Elijah Just and the prolific striker Tawanda Maswanhise.
The award is decided by a vote of the league’s players, making the nominations a clear reflection of the respect they command among their peers. Hearts sit atop the Scottish Premiership table, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing loss to Motherwell on Sunday.
This unusual voting pattern underscores a shift in the balance of power within Scottish football, with clubs outside the Old Firm now producing the standout performers of the campaign. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts in the summer, has quickly become the club’s leading goal‑scorer. In 34 league appearances he has found the net 14 times and added five assists, demonstrating both consistency and a knack for creating chances for teammates. His contribution has been vital in maintaining Hearts’ position at the summit of the table and has earned him a place among the elite nominees.
Lawrence Shankland, the Hearts captain who captured the Player of the Year award in 2024, continues to thrive despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. Since returning to action he has scored 13 goals in 25 league matches, showing the resilience and leadership expected of a club captain. Shankland’s blend of experience and goal‑scoring prowess makes him a strong contender for a second consecutive accolade.
Elijah Just, the New Zealand winger who joined Motherwell earlier this season, has been a revelation on the flank. Over 31 Premiership games he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell’s climb to fourth place. His pace, crossing ability and work rate have added a new dimension to Motherwell’s attack, and his performances 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 leading scorer with 17 goals in 31 matches.
Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has dramatically improved from the five goals he managed last season to a prolific output that now puts him at the forefront of the race for the top‑flight’s most valuable player. His physical presence, finishing skill and ability to hold up play have made him a constant threat to opposition defences. Beyond the four main nominees, the shortlist also features several noteworthy players from across the Scottish football pyramid. Barney Stewart, a 22‑year‑old forward who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline, has already scored eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, having previously netted six for the Pars in the Championship.
His rapid ascent from university football just two years ago to top‑flight success highlights the depth of talent emerging in Scotland. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, the only nominee from outside the Premiership, has impressed with 11 goals and two assists, helping the part‑time Championship side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs.
His contributions illustrate that quality performances are being recognised regardless of the division. 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 and defensive leadership have been instrumental in Dundee’s season. 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, Moore has become a key figure for Danny Röhl’s side, delivering six goals and two assists and helping the team challenge 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, May Cruft, 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 dramatic conclusion, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season. The shortlist includes striking moments from Marko Lazetić (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. Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their votes online. In addition to the football action, PFA Scotland is promoting its Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool.
Participation is free, encouraging fans to engage with the sport beyond the pitch. Overall, the absence of Celtic and Rangers players on the Player of the Year shortlist signals a broader distribution of talent across the Scottish leagues. Whether it is Braga’s goal‑scoring consistency, Shankland’s leadership, Just’s creative wing play, or Maswanhise’s clinical finishing, the nominees embody the diverse skill set that is shaping a new era in Scottish football.