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. The award is decided by a vote of the players who compete in Scotland’s top division, making it a peer‑recognised accolade. Hearts sit atop the Scottish Premiership table, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a recent defeat to the Steelmen.
The Jambos’ strong league position has helped raise the profile of their attacking duo, both of whom are now in contention for the coveted prize. Claudio Braga arrived at Hearts in the summer and has quickly become the club’s leading marksman. The Portuguese striker has featured in every one of the 34 league matches to date, scoring 14 goals and adding five assists.
His consistency and work rate have made him an indispensable part of a Hearts side that is challenging for the title. Lawrence Shankland, the club captain, is the defending champion of the award, having won it in 2024. Despite missing a spell of the season with an injury, he has still managed to find the net 13 times in 25 league appearances, underlining his importance to the team’s attacking output.
Motherwell’s newcomer Elijah Just has been a revelation on the wing. The New Zealand international has contributed seven goals and eight assists across 31 Premiership fixtures, helping the Steelmen climb to fourth place in the current standings. His pace, crossing ability and eye for goal have added a fresh dimension to Motherwell’s play. Tawanda Maswanhise, who signed for Motherwell in 2024, is currently the league’s top scorer with 17 goals in 31 games.
The 23‑year‑old burst onto the scene under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, dramatically improving on the five goals he managed in the previous campaign. His clinical finishing and intelligent movement have made him a constant threat to opposition defences. Other notable nominees include Barney Stewart, who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline.
Only two years ago he was playing university football, yet he has already recorded eight Premiership goals for the Bairns after netting six in the Championship for the Pars. His rapid rise highlights the depth of talent emerging from the lower leagues. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the top flight.
The 19‑year‑old has already tallied 11 goals and two assists, playing a pivotal role in the part‑time Championship side’s push for a place in the promotion play‑offs. Defender Luke Graham has been a stalwart for Dundee, starting 33 of their 34 league games and providing a reliable presence at the back throughout the season. On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers winger Mikey Moore is the youngest nominee at just 18 years old.
After a slow start, he has become a key figure in Danny Röhl’s plans, contributing six goals and two assists as the club battles 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.
Rangers also have two players on the Young Player shortlist, while Laura Berry and May Cruft represent the young talent from Hibernian and Glasgow City respectively. 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 reaches its climax, fans are invited to vote for the Scottish Premiership Goal of the Season. The shortlist features 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), as well as Rangers duo Jayden Meghoma and Youssef Chermiti.
Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote online. In addition to the footballing action, a promotional Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £250,000, with free entry available to participants. This blend of on‑field excitement and off‑field engagement underscores the growing popularity and commercial appeal of Scottish football as the season draws to a close.