Background
He was born in Horten, and played 58 games for Norway, scoring four goals, between 1946 and 1956.
He was born in Horten, and played 58 games for Norway, scoring four goals, between 1946 and 1956.
Karlsen primarily played as a defender, and was used as a free kick and penalty taker. During World World War II Karlsen played for several British teams. He joined Dundee United in September 1943, playing regularly for them until being posted to England in January 1945.
He returned to make a few more appearances later in the year, and also played a single match for Exeter City in October 1945.
Karlsen also played for Ørn Horten.
He was a member of the Norwegian squad that competed at the 1952 Olympics.