Zidane makes shocking return to Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane, who led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles before resigning as manager last year, has ended his brief sabbatical to rescue his former club.

Madrid announced on Monday that Zidane has replaced Santiago Solari, who was dismissed after suffering back-to-back defeats to Barcelona and elimination from the Champions League round of 16.

Zidane, who signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Los Blancos, is expected to have greater influence over signings and first-team matters, sources told ESPN FC's Graham Hunter.

The Frenchman left Madrid in May, citing the need for "change." Cristiano Ronaldo soon followed him out the door.

Zidane would be the third person to serve on Madrid's bench this season after Solari and Julen Lopetegui.

Lopetegui was fired in October following an embarrassing 5-1 loss to Barcelona, prompting Solari's promotion from youth coach to interim manager. Solari eventually won the permanent gig, but the honeymoon phase has worn out quickly thanks to shutout losses to Barcelona and a 4-1 collapse at home to Ajax.