Telemarksavisa has been in contact with one of Karlsen’s family members, who confirms the death.
Karlsen had been suffering from cancer for several years and leaves behind a wife, a son, and one grandchild.
The goalkeeper, who was known by the nickname “Dovregubben,” had a total of 32 international caps for Norway and had a rich club career.
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– One of the very best
One of those who remembers Karlsen’s career well is former NRK commentator Arne Scheie. He finds it very sad to hear that Karlsen has passed away.
Scheie recounts that he has both commented on, interviewed, and visited Karlsen when he played in Scotland in the 1970s.
– We have had many great goalkeepers in Norway throughout history, but Geir Karlsen is one of the very best. It was not without reason that a foreign club approached and took him to Scotland back then, Scheie tells Nettavisen.
Karlsen started his career at Odd and made his first international appearance in 1969. Shortly after, the goalkeeper transferred to Rosenborg, where his career really took off.
– He was an absolutely fantastic goalkeeper for his time. He went to Scotland early and was great in Rosenborg and good in Odd and Vålerenga. He had a fantastic career, Scheie explains.
Success in Norway and abroad
In 1971, Karlsen and RBK won both the league and the cup. This led to the goalkeeper being named player of the year in Norwegian football by VG.
After his time at RBK, “Dovregubben” tried his luck abroad with Scottish Dunfermline. He then moved to Vålerenga, before finishing his senior career where he started at Odd.
– I experienced most of it, both here in Norway and the professional life. Others can judge this. I am not good at boasting about myself, to put it that way. But I hear others say good things, so I guess I’ll believe that, Karlsen said in an interview with Telemarksavisa last year.
(©NTB)