For the first time since the 2013 season, the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist contains no representatives from either Celtic or Rangers, the two clubs traditionally known as the Old Firm. 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 players who compete in Scotland’s top division, making it a peer‑recognised accolade.
Hearts sit at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, three points ahead of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a recent defeat to Motherwell, also known as the Steelmen. This narrow margin at the top of the table has heightened interest in the individual performances that could tip the balance in the title race. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who joined Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become a key figure in the Jambo’s attack. He has featured in every one of the 34 league matches played so far this season, scoring 14 goals and adding five assists.
His consistency and goal‑scoring prowess have made him the club’s leading scorer and a strong contender for the Player of the Year award. Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the 2024 winner of the same honour, has also enjoyed a standout campaign despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. In the 25 league appearances he has made, Shankland has found the net 13 times, demonstrating his ability to lead by example and deliver when it matters most.
Elijah Just, a New Zealand winger who arrived at Motherwell earlier this season, has been described as a revelation. Over the course of 31 Premiership fixtures he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell’s climb to fourth place in the league standings.
His pace, creativity and work ethic have earned him recognition beyond the club’s fan base. Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for Motherwell in 2024, has emerged as the league’s top scorer at this point in the campaign, having recorded 17 goals in 31 games. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has dramatically improved his output from the previous season, when he managed only five goals. His clinical finishing and ability to hold up play have made him a constant threat to opposition defences.
Other notable nominees include Barney Stewart, who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline. The 22‑year‑old, who was playing university football just two years ago, has already scored eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, having previously netted six for the Pars in the Championship.
His rapid rise underscores the depth of talent emerging from Scotland’s lower leagues. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the top flight.
At 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 performances have attracted attention from several Premiership clubs. Defender Luke Graham has enjoyed a standout season for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches and providing a reliable presence at the back. His consistency has been a cornerstone of Dundee’s defensive stability.
Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, only 18 years old, is the youngest nominee on the list. After a gradual adaptation period following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key player for Danny Röhl’s side, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers push Hearts and Celtic 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.
Rangers also have two players on the Young Player shortlist, while Laura Berry and May Cruft represent the league’s emerging talent alongside 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 Marko Lazitic (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), as well as Rangers duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their votes online. Beyond the football action, there is also a promotional opportunity for fans: a Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £250,000, with free entry available to participants.
This blend of on‑field excellence and off‑field engagement highlights the vibrant and evolving landscape of Scottish football as the season draws to its dramatic conclusion.