Strong results in international rankings are a source of satisfaction, but do they really reflect everything a university is and contributes? Building on the UPV's excellent position in the Shanghai Ranking, it is important to reflect on the value and limitations of these rankings.rnrnA perspective that goes beyond positions and indicators to address the real challenges facing Spanish universities: funding, autonomy, excellence, research and commitment to society. Because the objective should not be to climb the rankings, but to become a better university.