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 spotlight falls on four standout performers from other clubs: Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, Motherwell’s dynamic winger Elijah Just, and the prolific striker Tawanda Maswanhise.
Hearts currently sit three points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, while Rangers trail by an additional point after a recent defeat to the Steelmen. The absence of any Old Firm players on the shortlist underscores the shifting balance of power in Scottish football and highlights the impact of players who have excelled outside the usual dominant sides. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become the club’s leading scorer.
In 34 league appearances this season, he has found the back of the net 14 times and contributed five assists, demonstrating a well‑rounded attacking threat. His consistency and goal‑scoring prowess have been instrumental in keeping Hearts at the top of the table.
Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the 2024 Player of the Year winner, has also enjoyed a strong campaign despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. Since returning to action, he has added 13 goals in 25 league matches, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable forwards in the league.
Elijah Just, the New Zealand winger who joined Motherwell, has been a revelation on the flank. Over 31 Premiership games he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, playing a key role in Motherwell’s rise to fourth place. His pace, crossing ability, and work rate have made him a constant threat to opposition defenses and a valuable creative outlet for his team. Tawanda Maswanhise, who signed for Motherwell in 2024, is currently the league’s top scorer with 17 goals in 31 appearances.
The 23‑year‑old has flourished under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, dramatically improving on the five goals he managed in the previous season. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement have turned him into a focal point of Motherwell’s attack. Beyond the four main nominees, the shortlist includes several other noteworthy performers. Barney Stewart, a 22‑year‑old striker who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline, has already tallied eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, having previously scored six for the Pars in the Championship.
His rapid ascent from university football to the top tier highlights his determination and natural talent. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the Premiership. At just 19, he has already recorded 11 goals and two assists, helping the part‑time Championship side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs. His contributions have drawn attention from clubs higher up the Scottish football pyramid.
Defender Luke Graham has been a rock for Dundee, starting 33 of the team’s 34 league matches and providing stability at the back. His consistency and defensive leadership have been vital in keeping Dundee competitive throughout the season. Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, the youngest nominee at 18, has turned a slow start into a breakthrough after moving from Tottenham Hotspur.
Under Danny Röhl’s management, Moore has become a key player, delivering six goals and two assists as Rangers press hard against Hearts and Celtic for the title. 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. The SWPL shortlist also features Rangers’ young talents Laura Berry and May Cruft, as well as 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 climax, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season.
The shortlist includes striking moments from 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 all twelve goals and cast your vote to decide which strike deserves the accolade. Finally, a reminder that the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Entrants can join for free and test their knowledge of Scottish football while competing for a share of the substantial reward.