Jesper Karlsson

Karl Jesper Karlsson (born 25 July 1998) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or left winger for club Bologna.

Club career

Early career Karlsson started playing in IF Böljan from the age of four. At the age of 14, he received his first-team debut for the club in Division 4. Before the 2015 season, he moved to Falkenbergs FF, and he was offered a first-team contract in the autumn. In November 2015, Karlsson signed a first team contract that extends over the season 2018 with Falkenberg FF. Before he signed the contract, he had also served and trained with English side Brighton & Hove Albion.

Falkenbergs FF The premiere of the headlines in 2016 were about Karlsson making his Allsvenskan debut. In the 79th minute he was replaced in instead of Akseli Pelvas, in the match Falkenbergs FF lost 2–0 to IFK Göteborg. On 17 July 2016, Karlsson scored his first two Allsvenskan goals in a 3–3 win against Hammarby IF. In total, he scored seven goals and made two assists during the 2016 season.

IF Elfsborg Karlsson transferred from Falkenbergs FF to Swedish top flight IF Elfsborg on 2 December 2016 for a fee of €450,000. After arriving in Alkmaar, he made his debut on 4 October 2020 in a 4–4 draw against Sparta Rotterdam, in which he provided two assists.

Bologna On 23 August 2023, it was announced that Karlsson had joined Serie A club Bologna. On 4 January 2025, Karlsson moved on loan to Lecce for the remainder of the season.

Aberdeen (loan)

On 1st September 2025, Karlsson joined Aberdeen on a season long loan, reuniting with Jimmy Thelin, who was his manager at Elfsborg. Karlsson was re-called by Bologna on 22nd January 2026.

Utrecht (loan) On 23 January 2026, Karlsson was loaned to Dutch club Utrecht until the end of the season.

International career In September 2015, Karlsson made his debut in the Sweden national under-19.

He made his full international debut for Sweden on 9 January 2020 in a friendly game against Moldova. Allsvenskan

2017 Eredivisie

2021–22

Scores and results list Sweden's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Karlsson goal.

Honours Individual Allsvenskan Striker of the Year: 2020 Eredivisie Player of the Month: December 2021 Eredivisie Team of the Month: December 2021, March 2023