For the first time since the 2013 season, the shortlist for the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year contains no representatives from either Celtic or Rangers, the two clubs traditionally known as the Old Firm. Instead, the four nominees are Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland from Heart of Midlothian, alongside Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise, who both ply their trade for Motherwell. The award is decided by a vote of the players who compete in Scotland's top division, making the selection a true peer‑recognition of excellence.
Hearts sit atop the Scottish Premiership table, currently three points clear of Celtic and with Rangers a further point behind after the Glasgow side suffered a defeat to Motherwell on Sunday. This narrow margin at the summit underscores how competitive the league has become, and why the performances of the four nominees are receiving such close scrutiny. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become the club's leading marksman.
In 34 league appearances so far this campaign, he has found the back of the net 14 times and added five assists, demonstrating an ability to both finish chances and create opportunities for teammates. His consistency and work rate have been vital in keeping Hearts in the title race, and his contributions have not gone unnoticed by the voting panel. Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the winner of the same award in 2024, has also enjoyed a prolific season despite missing a period of action due to injury. In the 25 league games he has featured in, he has scored 13 goals, showing that his goal‑scoring instincts remain sharp.
Shankland’s leadership on the pitch and his knack for delivering in crucial moments have cemented his status as one of the league’s premier strikers. Elijah Just, the New Zealand winger who joined Motherwell, has been a revelation on the right flank. Over the course of 31 Premiership matches he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, a combined total of fifteen direct goal involvements that have propelled Motherwell to fourth place in the standings. His pace, dribbling ability, and crossing accuracy have added a new dimension to Motherwell’s attack, making him a standout candidate for the award.
Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for Motherwell in 2024, leads the league in goals scored, having netted 17 times in 31 appearances. His dramatic improvement under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou is noteworthy; Maswanhise managed only five goals in the previous season, but this year he has become the focal point of Motherwell’s offensive play. His movement off the ball, clinical finishing, and aerial presence have made him a constant threat to opposition defences. Beyond the four main nominees, the shortlist also features several other notable players from across Scottish football.
Barney Stewart, a 22‑year‑old forward who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline, has already scored eight Premiership goals for the Bairns after moving up from the Championship where he netted six for the Pars. His rapid adaptation to top‑flight football highlights his potential for future accolades. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, the sole nominee from outside the Premiership, has impressed with 11 goals and two assists for the part‑time Championship side, helping them secure a place in the promotion play‑offs.
His contributions illustrate that talent is being recognised at all levels of Scottish football. Defender Luke Graham has been a pillar at the back for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches and delivering a consistently solid defensive performance throughout the season. On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers winger Mikey Moore, only 18 years old, has emerged as one of Danny Röhl’s key players.
After a modest start to his loan spell, he has recorded six goals and two assists, playing a significant role in Rangers’ push against 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.
The Young Player shortlist also features Rangers’ Laura Berry and May Cruft, alongside Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest. Hearts currently lead the SWPL, two points ahead of Glasgow City, with Rangers two points further 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), Jayden Meghoma (Rangers) and Youssef Chermiti (Rangers).
Voters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote online. In addition to the footballing action, the competition is running a promotional Super 6 contest, offering participants a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool. Entry to the contest is free, providing an extra incentive for supporters to stay engaged with the league’s ongoing drama.
Overall, the absence of Old Firm players on the Player of the Year shortlist highlights the growing competitiveness of the Scottish Premiership and the emergence of talent across a broader range of clubs. Whether it is Braga’s goal‑scoring consistency, Shankland’s leadership, Just’s creative wing play, or Maswanhise’s prolific finishing, each nominee has made a compelling case for being recognised as the best player in Scotland’s top flight this season.