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 four nominees this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, alongside Motherwell’s Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise, each of whom has enjoyed a standout campaign and earned the respect of their fellow top‑flight players, who cast the votes. Hearts sit comfortably at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing defeat to Motherwell on Sunday.
The Jambo’s recent form has been bolstered by the contributions of the two nominees from the Edinburgh club. Braga, who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become the team’s leading marksman. The Portuguese striker has found the net 14 times in the 34 league matches he has played so far, and he has also supplied five assists, demonstrating a well‑rounded attacking threat. His consistency – appearing in every league fixture to date – has been a key factor in Hearts’ title charge.
Lawrence Shankland, the club captain, is the defending champion of the award, having taken home the trophy in 2024. Despite missing a spell of the season through injury, Shankland has returned to form, scoring 13 goals in 25 league appearances. His leadership on and off the pitch, combined with his clinical finishing, has kept Hearts in contention for the championship and cemented his reputation as one of Scotland’s most prolific forwards.
Motherwell’s Elijah Just has been a revelation since his arrival from New Zealand. The winger has contributed seven goals and eight assists across 31 Premiership games, playing a pivotal role in the Fir Park side’s rise to fourth place in the table.
His pace, work rate and ability to create chances for teammates have made him a fan favourite and a strong contender for the individual accolade. Perhaps the most eye‑catching nominee is 23‑year‑old Tawanda Maswanhise. The striker joined Motherwell in 2024 and, under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, has transformed from a modest five‑goal scorer in the previous season to the league’s leading marksman with 17 goals in 31 matches.
Maswanhise’s physical presence, intelligent movement and finishing prowess have turned Motherwell’s attack into one of the most feared units in the competition. The shortlist also features several notable names from outside the traditional powerhouses.
Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, the sole nominee hailing from the Championship, has impressed with 11 goals and two assists, helping his part‑time side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs. Dundee defender Luke Graham has been a rock at the back, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league games and providing stability in a team that has often been under pressure. Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, the youngest nominee at just 18, has turned a slow start into a breakthrough season.
After moving from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key component of Danny Röhl’s side, 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 are shortlisted for the PFA Scotland SWPL Player of the Year award, alongside Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson. The SWPL also sees Rangers with two young‑player nominees, while Laura Berry and May Cruft represent the league’s emerging talent pool, joining Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest on the shortlist.
Hearts currently lead the SWPL, two points clear of Glasgow City, with Rangers a further two points back in third place. As the 2025/26 season approaches its climax, fans are also invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season.
The shortlist includes striking moments from across the league: Marko Lazitic (Aberdeen), Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Hyun‑Jun Yang and 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. Supporters can view the twelve nominated goals and cast their votes online.
Beyond the awards, the Scottish football calendar continues to offer excitement, with the Super 6 competition promising a £250,000 prize pool for participants. The campaign remains open for free entry, adding another layer of engagement for fans across the country.
In summary, this year’s PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year nominations signal a shift in the Scottish football landscape. With no Old Firm players on the list, the spotlight turns to emerging talents and breakthrough performers who have driven their clubs forward. Whether it is Braga’s consistent scoring, Shankland’s leadership, Just’s creative spark, or Maswanhise’s goal‑scoring surge, each nominee embodies the quality and determination that define the Scottish Premiership today.