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 absence of the traditional Old Firm heavyweights marks a notable shift in the balance of power within Scottish football and highlights the emergence of talent from other clubs across the top division.
The four contenders now vying for the accolade 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 themselves, meaning the nominees are judged by their peers on the basis of performance, consistency and overall impact throughout the campaign. Hearts sit at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, currently three points clear of Celtic. Rangers trail just one point further back after a disappointing defeat to Motherwell – the Steelmen – on Sunday.
This narrow margin at the top of the table underscores the competitive nature of the league this season, where the title race is being contested by more than the usual two giants. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become a key figure in the Jambo’s attacking setup.
He leads the club’s scoring charts with 14 goals and has also contributed five assists. Remarkably, Braga has featured in every one of Hearts’ 34 league fixtures to date, demonstrating both durability and a high level of performance week in, week out. His ability to combine clinical finishing with intelligent movement has made him a constant threat to opposition defences and a favourite among the Hearts faithful.
Lawrence Shankland, the club captain and winner of the 2024 Player of the Year award, has continued to thrive despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. Since returning to action he has found the net 13 times in 25 league appearances, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable goal‑scorers in the Scottish game. Shankland’s leadership on and off the pitch, combined with his knack for scoring crucial goals, keeps Hearts firmly in the title conversation.
Elijah Just, a dynamic winger from New Zealand, has been a revelation for Motherwell since his arrival. In 31 Premiership matches he has recorded seven goals and eight assists, playing a pivotal role in Motherwell’s ascent to fourth place in the league standings.
Just’s pace, dribbling ability and eye for a pass have added a new dimension to the Fir Park side’s attack, making him a valuable asset for manager Jens Berthel Askou. Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who joined Motherwell in 2024, is currently the league’s leading goal‑scorer with 17 strikes in 31 games.
His transformation under Askou’s guidance has been dramatic; after scoring only five goals in the previous season, Maswanhise has blossomed into a lethal finisher, combining physical strength with sharp positioning. His goal‑scoring exploits have not only propelled Motherwell up the table but have also drawn the attention of larger clubs across Europe. Other notable nominees include Barney Stewart, who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline earlier in the season. The 22‑year‑old, who was playing university football just two years ago, has already netted eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, having previously scored six for the Pars in the Championship.
His rapid rise illustrates the depth of talent emerging from the lower leagues. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the top flight. At 19, he has already contributed 11 goals and two assists, helping the part‑time Championship side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs.
His performances have been a reminder that quality football exists beyond the Premiership. Defender Luke Graham has been a stalwart for Dundee, starting 33 of their 34 league games and providing a reliable presence at the back. His consistency has been vital for a Dundee side that has often been tested by stronger opponents.
On loan from Tottenham, Rangers winger Mikey Moore is the youngest nominee at just 18 years old. After a slow start to his Scottish adventure, Moore has become a key figure in Danny Röhl’s side, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers chase the title alongside Hearts and Celtic. 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 are nominated alongside Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest. Hearts currently lead the SWPL, two points clear of Glasgow City, with Rangers a further two points behind 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 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), Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti (Rangers). Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote online.
Beyond the individual awards, the season has also featured exciting promotional opportunities, such as the Super 6 competition offering a £250,000 prize pool. The contest is free to enter and adds an extra layer of engagement for fans following the league’s dramatic narrative.
In summary, the current shortlist for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year showcases a diverse group of players who have excelled without the traditional dominance of Celtic or Rangers. Their performances have not only entertained supporters but have also reshaped the competitive landscape of Scottish football, promising an intriguing finish to the campaign.