The 2026 Full Scottish End of Season awards
With the 2025-26 Scottish Premiership season done and dusted—in dramatic fashion, no less—it is time for us to recognize the key figures and clubs that made the campaign so thrilling and engaging. In time-honored tradition, we announce the First Touch Scottish Football awards for 2026
Served by Brian P. Dunleavy
Team of the Season—Hearts
When Tony Bloom said upon announcing his investment in the club that it would “split the Old Firm” within five years and win the league within a decade, many scoffed. No one is scoffing anymore. Under Derek McInnes, the Jambos topped the table from September until the final fixture, when Celtic pipped them to the title. The Hoops are deserving champions, but Hearts showed that they can be force in the league. The 11th-hour disappointment may linger into next season, but we think the Jambos may ultimately prove Bloom right.
Manager of the Season—Jens Berthel Askou, Motherwell
It’s hard to overlook McInnes and Celtic’s Martin O’Neill, but Askou’s our man, given the attractive brand of football he produced at Fir Park. The Steelmen may have finished fourth in the table but that gets them within shouting distance of European football next term, not insignificant for a club their size.
Player of the Season—Cláudio Braga, Hearts
There are actually a few candidates here—Motherwell’s Tawanda Maswanhise and Celtic’s Daizen Maeda (for essentially willing the Hoops to the title in the season’s final weeks)—but the Portuguese man gets our vote. Bought for a relative pittance from a club in the Norwegian second division, Braga has been a revelation at Hearts. And he has a cracking song, too.
Young Player of the Season—Youssef Chermiti, Rangers
The Ibrox side had a disappointing season, it has to be said, but Chermiti was one of the few bright spots. Signed from Everton for £8 million, the 2025-26 season saw his value rise two- or even three-fold. ’Gers may opt to cash in to help fund a needed squad overhaul.
Story of the Season—Celtic taking the league
The sporting world loves an underdog, which is why much of it was pulling for Hearts, but that the Hoops overcame shoddy transfer business, board upheaval, and multiple managerial changes to take the title is remarkable. That they did so is down to O’Neill’s leadership and the character of the squad’s core players. Did they benefit from a dodgy VAR decision at Motherwell? Yes, though those things tend to even out over the course of a season. Was the pitch invasion at the conclusion of the title decider on Saturday unfortunate? To put it mildly. However, Celtic finished with more wins and more goals-scored than Hearts. Count us among the Hoops supporters who feel a bit for the Edinburgh side, but the Hoops are worthy winners.
