For the first time since the 2012‑13 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 names marks a notable shift in the league’s narrative, highlighting the rise of talent from clubs that have traditionally operated in the shadows of Scotland’s two biggest sides. The four nominees this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, Motherwell’s dynamic winger Elijah Just, and the prolific striker Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the players themselves, meaning the shortlist reflects the respect and admiration of those who share the pitch week after week.
Hearts currently sit three points clear of Celtic at the summit of the Premiership, with Rangers a further point behind after a recent defeat to the Steelmen. The Jambos’ position at the top of the table has been bolstered by the contributions of both Braga and Shankland, who have turned the club’s attacking fortunes around since the summer transfer window opened. Claudio Braga, a Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts during the pre‑season, has quickly become the team’s leading marksman.
In 34 league appearances he has found the back of the net 14 times and added five assists, a statistical output that underscores his importance to a side that is challenging for the title. His consistency – featuring in every league match to date – has not only earned him a place on the shortlist but also cemented his status as a fan favourite at Tynecastle. 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 full fitness he has scored 13 goals in 25 league games, demonstrating the resilience and goal‑scoring instinct that have defined his career. Shankland’s ability to lead the line, hold up play and convert chances makes him a perennial threat to any defence in the league. Across the border at Motherwell, New Zealand winger Elijah Just has been a revelation since his arrival.
Over the course of 31 Premiership matches he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, a combined tally that has propelled the Fir Park side into fourth place at the moment. Just’s pace, work‑rate and eye for a pass have added a new dimension to Motherwell’s attack, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the voting panel.
The youngest of the four nominees, 23‑year‑old Tawanda Maswanhise, has enjoyed a breakout season under the guidance of new Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou. After a modest return of five goals in the previous campaign, Maswanhise has surged ahead to become the league’s top scorer, with 17 goals in 31 appearances.
His development this season illustrates how a change of environment and tactical approach can unlock a player’s potential, and his clinical finishing has made him a prime candidate for the coveted award. Other notable mentions on the shortlist include Barney Stewart, who broke through at Falkirk after a loan spell at Dunfermline and has already scored eight Premiership goals for the Bairns. At just 22, Stewart’s rapid ascent from university football to the top tier showcases the depth of emerging talent in Scottish football.
Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, the sole nominee from outside the Premiership, has impressed with 11 goals and two assists, helping his part‑time Championship side secure a place in the promotion play‑offs. His inclusion highlights the PFA’s recognition of outstanding performances across all levels of the Scottish game. Defender Luke Graham has been a stalwart for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league fixtures and providing a reliable presence at the back.
Meanwhile, on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Rangers winger Mikey Moore, only 18 years old, has become a vital component of Danny Röhl’s side, contributing six goals and two assists as they chase 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, alongside Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson. The SWPL also features a Young Player shortlist with Laura Berry, May Cruft, Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest, reflecting the growing prominence of women’s football in Scotland.
As the 2025/26 season draws to a dramatic close, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season. The shortlist includes striking efforts from Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetic, Celtic’s Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Hyun‑Jun Yang, 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. The voting process offers supporters a chance to celebrate the most memorable moments of the campaign.
Overall, the current shortlist signals a refreshing diversification of talent in Scottish football, with players from Hearts, Motherwell and beyond stepping into the spotlight traditionally occupied by Celtic and Rangers. Whether Braga, Shankland, Just or Maswanhise ultimately lifts the trophy, the 2025/26 season will be remembered for its broadened competitive landscape and the emergence of new stars ready to shape the future of the Scottish Premiership.