For the first time since the 2012‑13 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, along with Motherwell’s dynamic attacker Elijah Just and the prolific striker Tawanda Maswanhise. The award is decided by a vote of the players competing in Scotland’s top division, making the selection a true peer‑recognition of excellence. Hearts sit atop the Scottish Premiership table, three points clear of Celtic, while Rangers trail by a further point after a recent defeat to Motherwell, known locally as the Steelmen.
The Jambo side’s strong position in the league has been bolstered by the contributions of the two nominated Hearts players. Claudio Braga, the Portuguese forward who arrived at Hearts during the summer transfer window, has quickly become the club’s leading goal scorer.
In 34 league appearances he has found the back of the net 14 times and added five assists, showcasing an all‑round attacking threat. His consistency and work rate have made him a vital component of Hearts’ title charge, and his nomination reflects his impact on a side that is currently challenging for the championship.
Lawrence Shankland, the captain of Hearts and the 2024 Player of the Year, also makes the list. Despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury, Shankland has returned to form, scoring 13 goals in 25 league matches.
His leadership on the pitch and ability to deliver crucial goals have helped maintain Hearts’ lead at the top of the table. Motherwell’s Elijah Just, a winger originally from New Zealand, has been a revelation since his arrival at Fir Park. Over the course of 31 Premiership games he has contributed seven goals and eight assists, playing a key role in Motherwell’s climb to fourth place. His pace, crossing ability and knack for creating scoring opportunities have earned him widespread praise and a place on the shortlist.
The youngest nominee, 23‑year‑old Tawanda Maswanhise, has enjoyed a breakout season under the guidance of new Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou. After scoring only five goals in the previous campaign, Maswanhise has exploded for 17 goals in 31 league fixtures, making him the current top scorer in the Scottish Premiership. His sharp movement, clinical finishing and improved physicality have transformed Motherwell’s attack and placed him firmly in contention for the award. Other notable mentions in the broader PFA Scotland awards 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 a six‑goal haul for the Pars in the Championship. From the Championship, 19‑year‑old Arbroath midfielder Findlay Marshall is the sole nominee from outside the top flight.
He has tallied 11 goals and two assists, helping the part‑time side secure a spot in the promotion play‑offs. Defender Luke Graham has been a mainstay for Dundee, starting 33 of the club’s 34 league matches and providing a reliable presence at the back throughout the season.
Rangers’ loan signing Mikey Moore, only 18, is the youngest nominee overall. After a slow start following his move from Tottenham Hotspur, Moore has become a key figure for Danny Röhl’s side, contributing six goals and two assists as Rangers push 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, alongside Hearts’ Georgia Timms and Rangers forward Katie Wilkinson.
The Young Player shortlist also features Rangers’ Laura Berry and May Cruft, with Hibernian’s Rosie Livingstone and Glasgow City’s Lisa Forrest completing the nominations. 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 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 twelve nominated goals and cast your vote for the most memorable finish.
Finally, a reminder that the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win a £250,000 prize pool – entry is free and open to all supporters who wish to test their luck.