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, 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 it a true peer‑recognition of excellence. Hearts currently sit three points clear at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, with Celtic trailing by a single point after a recent defeat to the Steelmen.
The Jambo side have been buoyed by the outstanding contributions of Braga, who arrived at the club in the summer and has quickly become the team’s leading marksman. The Portuguese forward has found the net 14 times and supplied five assists, appearing in every one of Hearts’ 34 league fixtures to date. His consistency and work rate have been instrumental in keeping Hearts ahead of the traditional powerhouses. Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and last year’s winner of the same prize, has also enjoyed a strong campaign despite missing a spell of the season with injury.
In the 25 league games he has played, Shankland has scored 13 goals, demonstrating his ability to influence matches whenever he is on the pitch. His leadership and finishing prowess continue to make him a central figure in Hearts’ title charge.
Motherwell’s Elijah Just has been a revelation since his arrival at Fir Park. The New Zealand winger has contributed seven goals and eight assists across 31 Premiership appearances, helping the Steelmen climb to fourth place in the league table.
His pace, creativity, 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. Perhaps the most striking story of the season belongs to Tawanda Maswanhise.
The 23‑year‑old striker joined Motherwell in 2024 and, under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, has transformed into the league’s top scorer with 17 goals in 31 games. This marks a dramatic improvement from the previous campaign, when he managed only five goals. Maswanhise’s movement off the ball, clinical finishing, and ability to link up with teammates 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. The 22‑year‑old, who was playing university football just two seasons ago, has already tallied 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 Scotland’s lower leagues. From outside the top flight, Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole non‑Premiership nominee. At 19, he has already recorded 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.
His performances have attracted attention from clubs higher up the pyramid. Defender Luke Graham has enjoyed a standout season with Dundee, providing a reliable presence at the back and starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches. His consistency and aerial ability have helped Dundee maintain a solid defensive record.
Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, the youngest nominee at just 18, has turned a slow start into a breakthrough year. After moving from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key component of Danny Röhl’s plans, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers continue to challenge 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, alongside Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson. The SWPL also features a Young Player shortlist with Laura Berry and May Cruft from Rangers, 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 the 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).
Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote online. Finally, a reminder for football fans: a Super 6 competition is running with a £250,000 prize pool. Entry is free, offering another way to engage with the excitement of Scottish football as the season draws to a dramatic close.