Celtic’s Emma Lawton has capped off a transformative year in professional football by claiming the PFA Scotland SWPL Player of the Year award — a fitting final flourish to a 12-month spell that has propelled the 23-year-old from part-time obscurity to international recognition.
In a season of turbulence for Elena Sadiku’s Celtic side, Lawton emerged as a beacon of consistency and excellence. Her reward: the top individual honour in the Scottish Women’s Premier League, as voted for by fellow professionals.
“It’s a real honour when it’s voted by the people you play against every week — it’s special,” Lawton said after receiving the accolade. “It’s just been mad, but I’ve absolutely loved every minute of it.”
From Partick Thistle to Parkhead
Lawton’s ascent began with a move in September from part-time Partick Thistle to full-time football at Celtic — a leap that would define her breakout season.
It was a bold switch. In moving to the reigning champions, Lawton joined a squad in transition under new management and rising expectations. But her performances at right-back quickly stood out, earning her a Champions League debut, a first call-up to the Scotland national team, and her maiden international goal — all in a single campaign.
Despite Celtic falling short of domestic dominance this term, Lawton’s individual contributions offered a bright narrative. Her energetic performances and defensive solidity drew praise not just from fans and pundits, but from her league opponents — including those she beat to the award: Hibernian’s Eilidh Adams, Rangers’ Katie Wilkinson, and Glasgow City’s Samantha van Diemen.
A Year to Remember
Lawton herself is under no illusion about the scale of her progress — or the challenge of replicating it.
“I think it’s going to be really hard to live up to these 12 months,” she admitted, “but I’ll just keep working hard and see what my footballing career brings.”
That attitude mirrors the quiet determination that’s defined her rise. Just a year ago, she was juggling football with a part-time job. Now, she’s playing full-time, winning individual honours, and pulling on the national jersey.
Scotland’s Full-Back Future?
Lawton’s emergence comes at a time when Scotland’s women’s team is rebuilding and recalibrating after mixed recent performances. Her dynamism on the flanks and mature reading of the game have already impressed national team coaches, suggesting she could become a fixture in Pedro Martínez Losa’s plans.
Her first Scotland goal — a composed finish from the edge of the box — marked more than just a personal milestone. It was a signal that her skill set extends beyond defensive duties, with growing influence in the attacking third.
Eyes on the Future
The coming season brings fresh pressure. Celtic will be expected to regroup and challenge anew. Lawton, now a marked player in the league, will need to find new gears as she adapts to life with a target on her back.
But if her first season in full-time football is anything to go by, she may just be getting started.
