David Moberg Karlsson grew up just outside Mariestad in Sweden where he made his first team debut for local fifth tier club IFK Mariestad as a fourteen-year-old. Due to his impressive performances with the Swedish youth national teams he was sought after by several clubs, but chose to sign a youth contract with IFK Göteborg, the club he grew up supporting.[2]
IFK Göteborg
During the 2011 Allsvenskan season he started training with the first team and made his league debut in a game against AIK. His progress led to IFK Göteborg signing him on a five-year first team contract in May 2012.[3] At the start of the 2013 Allsvenskan season he finally scored his first league goal for the club in a 2–0 win against IF Brommapojkarna.[4]
On 19 July 2023, Aris officially announced the acquisition of Karlsson on a season-long loan.[13]
Return to IFK Norrköping
On 27 July 2024, Karlsson rejoined IFK Norrköping and was presented on field at half time during a game against Kalmar FF, signing a contract through the 2026 season.[14]
International career
Having represented the Sweden U17, U19, and U21 teams between 2009 and 2017, he made his full international debut for Sweden on 8 January 2017 in a friendly 2–1 loss against the Ivory Coast when he replaced Nicklas Bärkroth in the 62nd minute.[15][16] He scored his first international goal in a friendly 6–0 win against Slovakia on 12 January 2017.[17]