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 dynamic winger Elijah Just and the prolific striker Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the players competing in the top tier of Scottish football, making the selection a genuine peer‑recognition of performance over the campaign. Hearts sit atop the Scottish Premiership table, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing loss to Motherwell – the Steelmen – on Sunday.
This unusual scenario has highlighted the impact of players outside the traditional Old Firm powerhouses, underscoring a shift in the competitive balance of the league. 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 he has already found the net 14 times and added five assists, a contribution that has been pivotal in keeping the Jambos on course for the title. Braga’s consistency, work‑rate and knack for scoring crucial goals have earned him a place among the elite nominees.
Lawrence Shankland, the Scottish striker who captured the Player of the Year award in 2024, remains a key figure for Hearts despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury. Since returning to action he has added 13 goals in 25 league matches, demonstrating his ability to regain form and influence games at the highest level.
Shankland’s experience and goal‑scoring pedigree make him a strong contender for a repeat honour. Elijah Just, the New Zealand winger who joined Motherwell earlier in his career, has been described as a revelation this season.
Over 31 Premiership fixtures he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, helping the Fir Park side climb to fourth place in the standings. Just’s pace, crossing ability and willingness to track back have added a new dimension to Motherwell’s attacking play, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the voting panel.
Tawanda Maswanhise, the 23‑year‑old striker who signed for Motherwell in 2024, is currently the league’s top scorer with 17 goals in 31 games. Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has transformed from a modest five‑goal scorer last season into a lethal finisher, showcasing improved movement, composure, and finishing technique.
His goal tally places him at the forefront of the race for the Player of the Year award. Other notable mentions on the shortlist 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 recorded eight Premiership goals for the Bairns, following six goals for the Pars in the Championship. His rapid rise illustrates the depth of talent emerging from the lower divisions.
Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the top flight. At 19, he has already scored 11 goals and supplied two assists, playing a crucial role in the part‑time Championship side’s push for a place in the promotion play‑offs.
His inclusion highlights the PFA’s recognition of exceptional performances across all levels of Scottish football. Defender Luke Graham has enjoyed a standout season with Dundee, anchoring the back line in 33 of the club’s 34 league matches.
His reliability and defensive acumen have been essential in keeping Dundee competitive throughout the campaign. On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers winger Mikey Moore, only 18 years old, is the youngest nominee. After a slow start to his Scottish adventure, Moore has become a key figure in Danny Röhl’s plans, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers battle 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 SWPL also features a Young Player shortlist with 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 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 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.
View the full video compilation and cast your vote to celebrate the most spectacular finish of the campaign. In addition to the footballing action, the PFA is promoting a Super 6 competition with a £250,000 prize pool, offering fans a chance to win big by entering for free.
This initiative adds an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling season, as supporters across Scotland engage with the sport both on and off the pitch.