Karlsbakk began his career in 2009 by joining hometown club Bryne's youth academy, which led to him signing his first professional contract with the club in April 2019.[4][5] He made his senior debut on 26 October 2019.[1] He suffered an ankle injury in June 2021 while attempting a backflip, which kept him out of action for much of the following season.[6]
On 7 December 2021, Karlsbakk signed a three-year contract with Viking.[7] He made his competitive debut for the club on 21 April 2022 in a Norwegian Football Cup match against Bodø/Glimt and scored his first goal for the club against Haugesund on 25 June 2022.[1]
SC Heerenveen
On 31 January 2023, following the transfer of forward Amin Sarr to Olympique Lyon, Karlsbakk signed a contract with Heerenveen until 2026.[8][9] He made his debut for the club on 7 February 2023 in the KNVB Cup against NAC Breda and five days later, he made his Eredivisie debut, coming on as a substitute against Feyenoord.
Personal life
He is a son of former footballer Eivind Karlsbakk.[7] Karlsbakk has compared himself to fellow BrynebuErling Haaland, claiming that they both possess the same power in their game, which they acquired from their upbringing in Bryne. Additionally, they shared a similar diet including forcemeat.[10][11]