For the first time since the 2013 season, the PFA Scotland Premiership Player of the Year shortlist contains no representatives from the traditional powerhouses Celtic or Rangers. Instead, the four nominees this year are Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland, alongside Motherwell’s rising talents Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the players competing in Scotland’s top division, making the nominations a clear reflection of peer respect across the league.
Hearts sit comfortably at the summit of the Premiership table, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a disappointing defeat to Motherwell on Sunday. The Jambos’ strong position has been underpinned by the contributions of their two nominees.
Claudio Braga, who arrived from abroad in the summer and quickly made his mark, is currently the club’s leading scorer. The Portuguese striker has found the net 14 times and added five assists, featuring in every one of Hearts’ 34 league fixtures to date. His consistency, work‑rate and knack for decisive goals have made him a central figure in the team’s title charge.
Lawrence Shankland, the club captain, is a familiar face on the shortlist, having already secured the award in 2024. Despite missing a spell of the campaign through injury, the Scottish forward has returned to form, contributing 13 goals in 25 league appearances.
Shankland’s leadership on and off the pitch, combined with his clinical finishing, continues to drive Hearts’ ambitions. Motherwell’s Elijah Just provides a different narrative.
The New Zealand winger joined the Fir Park side and has been a revelation, tallying seven goals and eight assists in 31 Premiership matches. His creativity on the flanks and ability to unlock defences have propelled Motherwell into fourth place at the moment, underscoring his impact in a relatively short period. The fourth nominee, Tawanda Maswanhise, is arguably the most prolific of the group. The 23‑year‑old striker, who signed for Motherwell in 2024, leads the league’s scoring charts with 17 goals from 31 games.
Under the guidance of new manager Jens Berthel Askou, Maswanhise has transformed from a modest five‑goal scorer last season into the league’s top marksman, showcasing a remarkable improvement in both confidence and finishing technique. Beyond the four main contenders, the shortlist also features several intriguing names from across the Scottish football landscape. Falkirk’s Barney Stewart, a former university player who broke through after a loan spell at Dunfermline, has already netted eight Premiership goals for the Bairns after a productive stint in the Championship with the Pars.
His rapid rise highlights the depth of talent emerging from the lower tiers. Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall, the sole nominee from outside the top flight, has impressed with 11 goals and two assists, playing a pivotal role in his part‑time Championship side’s push for a promotion play‑off berth.
His inclusion underscores the PFA’s recognition of outstanding performances regardless of league level. Defender Luke Graham of Dundee has been a stalwart at the back, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league games and providing a reliable defensive foundation throughout the season. His consistency has earned him a place among the nominees despite the team’s mixed results.
Rangers’ on‑loan winger Mikey Moore, only 18 years old, is the youngest nominee on the list. After a slow start following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key component of Danny Röhl’s attacking setup, 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 nominated 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 draws to a dramatic close, fans are invited to vote for their favourite Scottish Premiership goal of the season. The shortlist includes striking moments from Aberdeen’s Marko Lazetić, 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. Supporters can view all twelve goals and cast their vote online.
Beyond the on‑field action, the PFA continues to engage fans with interactive promotions, such as the Super 6 competition offering a chance to win £250,000. Participation is free, providing an additional incentive for supporters to stay connected with Scottish football as the season reaches its climax.