For the first time since the 2012‑13 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: Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, Motherwell’s dynamic winger Elijah Just and the prolific striker Tawanda Maswanhise.
The award is decided by a vote of the players competing in the top tier of Scottish football, making it a true peer‑recognition honour. Hearts sit in a comfortable lead at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, three points clear of Celtic and one point ahead of Rangers, who slipped up with a defeat to Motherwell on Sunday. The Jambo side have benefitted from the contributions of their two nominated forwards. Braga, who arrived from abroad during the summer transfer window, has quickly become the club’s leading marksman.
He has found the back of the net 14 times and added five assists, featuring in every one of Hearts’ 34 league fixtures to date. His blend of pace, intelligent movement and clinical finishing has been a key factor in Hearts’ title charge.
Lawrence Shankland, the club captain, is a familiar face on the shortlist, having previously won the award in 2024. Despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury, he has returned to form, scoring 13 goals in 25 league appearances.
His leadership on and off the pitch, combined with his ability to score crucial goals, has helped Hearts maintain their position at the top of the table. Motherwell’s Elijah Just has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in the league since his arrival from New Zealand. In 31 Premiership matches he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell’s climb to fourth place. His versatility on the wing, work‑rate and eye for a pass have made him a fan favourite and a strong contender for the award.
Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for Motherwell in 2024, is currently the league’s top scorer with 17 goals from 31 games. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has dramatically improved his output – he managed only five goals in the previous season.
His physical presence, sharp finishing and ability to create chances for teammates have turned Motherwell into a more potent attacking side. The shortlist also features a few notable names from outside the Premiership. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, aged 19, is the sole nominee from the Scottish Championship. He has scored 11 goals and supplied two assists, driving his part‑time side into the promotion play‑offs.
Dundee defender Luke Graham has been a stalwart at the back, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league games and providing consistency in a defensive unit that has often been tested. Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, only 18, is the youngest nominee on the list. After a slow start following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, he has become a key player for Danny Röhl, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers continue to press the title race against Hearts and Celtic.
In the women’s game, Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova have been nominated for the PFA Scotland SWPL Player of the Year award, alongside Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson. Rangers also have two players on the Young Player shortlist – Laura Berry and May Cruft – while Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest round out the nominees. The SWPL table mirrors the men’s competition, with Hearts leading by two points over Glasgow City and Rangers a further two points behind 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 Marko Lazetic (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. The voting link allows supporters to view all twelve goals and select the one they consider the best. Beyond the awards, the Scottish football calendar is packed with action.
Live streaming options for the Premiership are available without a contract, and highlights can be watched for free. Additionally, a Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000, with entry at no cost.
All of these elements contribute to a vibrant and engaging season for supporters across Scotland and beyond.