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 this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, alongside Motherwell’s dynamic duo Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of all players competing in Scotland’s top division, making the nomination list a clear reflection of the respect these individuals have earned from their peers. Hearts sit comfortably at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, holding a three‑point lead over Celtic and a further point ahead of Rangers, who fell to a defeat by Motherwell – the Steelmen – on Sunday.
The Jambo’s recent form has been bolstered by the contributions of the two nominated forwards. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese striker who arrived at Hearts in the summer, has quickly become the club’s leading scorer. In 34 league appearances this campaign he has found the back of the net 14 times and added five assists, demonstrating both finishing prowess and an ability to create chances for teammates. His consistent involvement in every league match underscores his importance to a Hearts side that is eager to maintain its position at the top of the table.
Lawrence Shankland, the Scottish captain who captured the Player of the Year award in 2024, has also enjoyed a productive season despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. Returning to fitness, he has contributed 13 goals in 25 league games, proving his resilience and leadership on the pitch.
Shankland’s experience and goal‑scoring instinct continue to make him a focal point for Hearts’ attack. Motherwell’s Elijah Just, a New Zealand‑born winger, has been a revelation since his arrival at Fir Park. Over the course of 31 Premiership matches he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in propelling Motherwell to fourth place at the time of writing.
His pace, crossing ability, and work rate have added a new dimension to the Steelmen’s offensive play. Perhaps the most striking nominee is Tawanda Maswanhise, a 23‑year‑old striker who joined Motherwell in 2024. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has transformed into the league’s leading marksman, having scored 17 goals in 31 games.
This marks a dramatic improvement from the previous season, when he managed just five goals, highlighting the impact of Askou’s tactical system and the player’s own development. Other notable mentions in the broader nomination list include Barney Stewart, a 22‑year‑old forward who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline. Remarkably, Stewart was playing university football only two years ago, yet he has already tallied eight Premiership goals for the Bairns after previously netting six for the Pars in the Championship. From outside the top flight, Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall earns a place on the shortlist.
At just 19, he has contributed 11 goals and two assists, helping his part‑time Championship side secure a spot in the promotion play‑offs. His performances have attracted attention across the Scottish game, underscoring the depth of talent beyond the Premiership.
Defender Luke Graham has been a stalwart for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league fixtures and providing a reliable presence at the back. His consistency has been vital for a side that has often been tested by stronger opponents. Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, the youngest nominee at 18, has also made an impression.
After a gradual adaptation period following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key figure for Danny Röhl’s side, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers continue to chase the title. In the women’s game, Glasgow City’s Lee Gibson and Nicole Kozlova are 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, with Laura Berry and May Cruft nominated, as well as Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest. Hearts currently lead the SWPL, sitting two points clear of Glasgow City, while Rangers occupy third place, two points further back.
As the 2025/26 season draws to a dramatic close, 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. Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote online. Beyond the awards, the Scottish football community continues to engage fans with interactive opportunities, such as the Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £250,000.
The blend of on‑field excellence and off‑field engagement reflects the vibrant nature of Scottish football as it heads into the final stages of the season.