For the first time since the 2013 season, the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist contains no representatives from either of the traditional powerhouses, Celtic or Rangers. Instead, the four nominees are a mix of established goal‑scorers and emerging talents from Hearts and Motherwell, reflecting a shift in the balance of power within the Scottish top flight. Hearts’ attacking duo – Portuguese forward Claudio Braga and Scottish striker Lawrence Shankland – find themselves up against Motherwell’s dynamic New Zealand winger Elijah Just and the club’s prolific 23‑year‑old striker Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the players themselves, meaning the final decision will be shaped by the respect and admiration of their peers across the league.
At the time of writing, Hearts sit three points clear at the summit of the Premiership, having built a comfortable lead over Celtic. Rangers trail just a single point behind the Jambos after a disappointing defeat to the Steelmen on Sunday, which has left the title race more open than it has been in recent years. Claudio Braga has been a revelation since his summer arrival at Hearts, quickly establishing himself as the club’s leading marksman. In 34 league appearances this season, he has found the back of the net 14 times and added five assists, contributing directly to a significant portion of the team’s goal output.
His consistent performances have not only helped Hearts maintain their position at the top but have also earned him a place among the elite players in the league. Lawrence Shankland, the former 2024 Player of the Year, has also enjoyed a strong campaign despite missing a spell of action through injury. When fit, he has been a constant threat, scoring 13 goals in 25 league matches. His ability to lead the line, hold up play and create chances for teammates continues to make him a vital component of Hearts’ attack.
Elijah Just, Motherwell’s New Zealand‑born winger, has been a standout performer since joining the Fir Park side. Over the course of 31 Premiership fixtures he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, playing a key role in Motherwell’s ascent to fourth place in the league table.
His pace, dribbling skill and eye for a pass have made him one of the most exciting young players to watch in Scottish football. Tawanda Maswanhise, also of Motherwell, is currently the league’s top scorer with an impressive 17 goals from 31 games. The 23‑year‑old burst onto the scene under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, dramatically improving on a modest return of five goals in the previous season. His lethal finishing, intelligent movement and ability to score from a variety of positions have turned him into a genuine threat for any defence.
The shortlist also includes a handful of players from outside the Premiership. Arbroath’s 19‑year‑old midfielder Findlay Marshall, who is the sole nominee from the Scottish Championship, has recorded 11 goals and two assists, helping his part‑time side secure a spot in the promotion play‑offs. His contributions highlight the depth of talent across the Scottish game.
Defender Luke Graham has been a rock at the back for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches and providing a steady, reliable presence in a side that has often been tested defensively. His consistency has not gone unnoticed by his peers.
On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers’ winger Mikey Moore is the youngest nominee at just 18 years of age. After a slow start to his Scottish adventure, he has become an integral part of Danny Röhl’s plans, delivering six goals and two assists as Rangers chase 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 that includes Laura Berry and May Cruft, with Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest also in contention.
Hearts currently lead the SWPL, two points ahead of Glasgow City, with Rangers a further two points back in third. As the 2025/26 season approaches its climax, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season.
The shortlist of twelve spectacular strikes 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 the Rangers pair Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti. Supporters can view the highlights and cast their votes via the official PFA Scotland platform. Beyond the individual awards, the season has also seen a surge in fan engagement initiatives, such as the Super 6 competition, which offers participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. The competition is free to enter and has attracted considerable interest, further underscoring the growing popularity of Scottish football both domestically and internationally.
In summary, this year’s PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year nominations reflect a broader shift away from the historic dominance of the Old Firm clubs. With Braga, Shankland, Just and Maswanhise leading the charge, the award promises to be a tightly contested battle that showcases the emerging talent and competitive spirit now flourishing across the Scottish game.