For the first time since the 2012‑13 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 of Heart of Midlothian, alongside Motherwell’s rising stars Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the league’s own players, making it a true peer‑recognition of excellence. Hearts sit atop the Scottish Premiership table, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a recent defeat to the Steelmen.
The Jambos’ impressive form has been driven in large part by the contributions of their two nominees. Braga, a Portuguese forward who joined Hearts in the summer, has quickly become the club’s leading marksman.
He has featured in every one of the 34 league fixtures to date, scoring 14 goals and adding five assists – a remarkable output that has helped maintain Hearts’ title charge. Lawrence Shankland, the club captain, is a familiar face in the Player of the Year conversation, having secured the accolade in 2024. Despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury, he has returned to form, netting 13 times in 25 league appearances.
His leadership on and off the pitch continues to be a vital factor in Hearts’ pursuit of the championship. Motherwell’s nominees bring a different narrative. New Zealand winger Elijah Just has been a revelation since his arrival, contributing seven goals and eight assists across 31 Premiership matches. His creativity on the flank has propelled Motherwell into fourth place, providing a steady supply of chances for his teammates and demonstrating why he is considered one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for Motherwell in 2024, has emerged as the league’s top scorer at this stage of the season, boasting 17 goals from 31 games. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has dramatically improved his output – a stark contrast to the five goals he managed in the previous campaign. His sharp finishing and intelligent movement have made him a constant threat to opposition defences.
Beyond the four main nominees, the shortlist also features a handful of players from lower divisions and other clubs, highlighting the depth of talent across Scottish football. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, aged 19, is the sole representative from outside the top flight. Despite playing part‑time in the Championship, he has already recorded 11 goals and two assists, playing a pivotal role in his side’s push for a promotion play‑off spot.
Defender Luke Graham of Dundee has earned recognition for his consistency at the back, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league games and providing a reliable defensive foundation throughout the campaign. Meanwhile, Rangers’ loan signing Mikey Moore, only 18 years old, has impressed Danny Röhl’s management team after a slow start. Moore has contributed six goals and two assists, becoming an integral part of the Rangers attack as they battle 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. The SWPL also features a Young Player shortlist, with Laura Berry and May Cruft representing Rangers, while Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest round out the nominations.
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 their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season. The shortlist includes striking efforts from across the league: Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetic, Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Hyun‑Jun Yang, 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 full video compilation and cast your vote to celebrate the most memorable finish of the campaign.
Beyond the individual accolades, the ongoing narrative of a season without an Old Firm nominee underscores a shifting competitive balance in Scottish football. Hearts and Motherwell, bolstered by the performances of Braga, Shankland, Just and Maswanhise, are challenging the historic dominance of Celtic and Rangers, promising a more open and unpredictable title race.
This evolving landscape not only provides fresh storylines for supporters but also offers a platform for emerging talents to shine on a national stage. The PFA Scotland awards, which also include categories for young players, coaches and clubs, serve as a barometer of the league’s health and the recognition of hard work across all levels. As the voting period draws to a close, the football community awaits the announcement of the winners, which will undoubtedly reflect the remarkable contributions of the nominees highlighted above.
For those interested in following the action, live Premiership tables, streaming options without contractual commitments, and free highlights are readily available online. Additionally, fans can enter the Super 6 competition for a chance to win a £250,000 prize, with free entry offered to all participants.